IC-NRLF 


V 


HS  STANDARD  UBRARY  EDITION 


TJEL  FRENCH,  28-30  West  38th  St.,  New  York 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER 


B  Comedy  in  ffout  Bets 


BY 
WINCHELL  SMITH 


COPYRIGHT,  1909,  BY  WINCHELL  SMITH. 


CAUTION.-"  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER  "is  fully  protected  under 
the  copyright  laws  of  the  United  States,  is  subject  to  royalty,  and 
anyone  presenting  the  play  without  the  consent  of  the  author  or 
his  agents,  will  be  liable  to  penalty  under  the  law.  All  applica 
tions  for  amateur  performances  must  be  made  to  Samuel  French 
28-30  West  38th  Street,  New  York  City. 


ALL  RIGHTS  RESERVED 


NEW  YORK 
SAMUEL   FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30  WEST  38ra  STREET 


LONDON 

SAMUEL  FRENCH,  LTD. 
26  SOUTHAMPTON  STREET 
STRAND 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 


CAST  OF  CHARACTERS. 

NATHANIEL  DUNCAN  "NAT".  .  .The  fortune  "hunter 

HENRY  KELLOGG A  rising  young  financier 

GEORGE  BURNHAM A  promoter 

JAMES  LONG  "  JIM  "  )    .  .Two  Wall  Street 

LAWRENCE  MILLER  "  LARRY  "  )  young  men 

WILLIE  BARTLETT A  millionaire's  son 

ROBBINS Xellogg's  servant 

TOM A  newsboy 

VILLAGE  CHARACTERS. 

SAM  GRAHAM The  druggist 

MR.  LOCKWOOD The  banker 

TRACEY  TANNER The  liveryman's  son 

PETE  WILLING The  sheriff 

MR.  SPERRY The  drummer 

"  WATTY  " The  tailor 

"  Hi " The  old  inhabitant 

HERMAN The  errand  boy 

BETTY  GRAHAM The  druggist's  daughter 

JOSEPHJNE  LOCKWOOD The  banker's  daughter 

ANGIH The  friend  of  Josie 

ACT  I. 

SCENE: — The    sitting-room    of   HENRY   KELLOGG'S 
bachelor  apartment  in  East  31st  St.,  near  6th 
Avenue,  New  York  City. 
The  set  is  very  elaborate  from  a  man's  point  of 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  3  * 

view.  Medallion  on  the  floor.  Up  R.  mahogany  J) 
couch  with  sofa  pillows.  Several  mahogany 
chairs  of  various  sizes  about  the  room.  Down 
L.  c.  is  writing  table  with  large  blotting  pad, 
writing  paper,  pens,  pencils,  ink  stand  and  paper 
cutter,  etc.  Waste  paper  basket  beside  the  table. 
Also  large  electric  stand  lamp  on  this  table. 
[(Practical.)  Up  c.  is  alcove  with  open  grate, 
'with  andirons,  fire-hook,  etc.  Above  the  grate  is 
mantel  with  several  pieces  of  bric-a-brac.  A  win 
dow  at  R.  and  one  at  L.  of  alcove.  Hat  and 
coat  rack  at  entrance  up  R.  c.  Book  cases  built 
into  the  walls  filled  with  books. 
Up  R.  c.  is  door  (Entrance  from  street)  leading 
into  a  little  alcove.  Portierres  in  arch  of  this 
alcove.  Down  R.  is  door  leading  off  to  bedrooms. 
L.  is  doorway  leading  into  dining-room  and 
kitchen.  Portierres  m  this  doorway. 

TIME  :— June— 6 :  30  P.  M . 


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4  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 


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THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 


DISCOVEBED :— At  rise  of  curtain,  BOBBINS,  who 
is  KELLOGG'S  valet,  is  crossing  stage.  He  opens 
door  up  R.  c.  and  takes  several  evening^  papers 
from  a  paper  boy  who  stands  outside  in  door- 
way. 

BOBBINS.  I  suppose  that  you  know  you're  two 
hours'  late  with  these  to-night?  (boy  looks  at  BOB 
BINS  with  expressionless  face)  It's  past  six.  (an 
other  short  pause)  TheTe  are  plenty  of  other  places 
about  here  where  I  can  order  papers  and  the  next 
time  you're  late  I'll  find  one. 

NEWSBOY.    All  right. 

(BOBBINS  closes  door  sharply,  comes  grumbling  to 
fire-place  up  c.  and  turns  on  lights,  then  down 
stage  to  table.  He  puts  papers  on  table  and  after 
selecting  one  for  himself,  is  about  to  read  when 
the  door  bell  rings.  He  makes  a  wry  face,  goes 
to  the  door,  taking  the  paper  with  him.  He  holds 
the  door  open  as  GEORGE  BURNHAM  enters.) 

BURNHAM.     (brusquely)     How  are  you,  Bobbins? 
BOBBINS.     Good-evening,  Mr.  Burnham. 

( BURNHAM  comes  down  c.) 

BURNHAM.    Mr.  Kellogg  here? 
5 


6  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

ROBBINS.  (following  BURNHAM  down  L.  c.)  He 
hasn't  come  in  yet,  sir,  but  it's  time  for  him.  Won't 
you  sit  down  ?  He  won't  be  long  now. 

BURNHAM.  Well,  I've  a  train  to  catch  at  7 : 18. 
(sits  right  of  table)  I'll  leave  a  note  for  him  and  try 
to  see  him  to-morrow. 

ROBBINS.    Very  good,  sir. 

BURNHAM.  (talcing  pencil  from  pocket)  Yes,  I 
guess  to-morrow  will  be  better.  Probably  he  won't 
want  to  talk  business  to-night,  eh? 

ROBBIXS.    How  so,  sir? 

BURNHAM.  (about  to  write — stops)  How  so? 
Why  haven't  you  been  reading  it  there?  (BURNHAM 
points  to  newspaper  ROBBINS  still  holds) 

ROBBINS.     No,  sir. 

BURNHAM.  You  haven't?  Why,  you've  got  your 
thumb  right  on  it.  (ROBBINS  looks  at  paper  quickly. 
BURNHAM  watches  ROBBINS'  face,  which  shows 
great  surprise)  What  do  you  think  of  that? 

ROBBINS.  (after  a  glance  at  paper — ejaculating) 
Junior  member  of  the  firm ! 

BURNHAM.  That's  what !  From  now  on  it  won't 
be  L.  J.  Bartlett  but  L.  J.  Bartlett  &  Co.  (begins  to 
write) 

ROBBINS.    It's  a  great  promotion,  sir. 

BURNHAM.  To  be  taken  into  the  biggest  firm  on 
Wall  Street.  I  should  say  it  was  a  great  promotion, 
and  Harry — I  mean,  Mr.  Kellogg,  deserves  it  too. 
Deserves  every  bit  of  it,  you  tell  him  I  said  so.  Why, 
he's  pulled  off  more  deals  for  them  in  the  last  year. 

ROBBINS.    He's  been  very  successful,  sir. 

BURNHAM.  (half  turns  to  ROBBINS)  You  can 
bet  he  has.  He's  a  great  business  man  and  no  mis 
take.  If  he  lives  he'll  be  one  of  our  big  million 
aires,  as  sure  as  you're  born.  He  can't  help  making 
money  any  more  than  I  can,  and  no  one  is  any  more 
pleased  over  this  big  jump  than  me.  You  just  tell 
him  I  said  that,  will  you?  (resumes  writing) 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  7 

ROBBINS.  (glancing  at  BURNHAM  and  smiling) 
Yery  good,  sir.  I'll  tell  him. 

(Door  I  ell  rings.     ROBBINS  starts  to  door.    BURN- 
HAM  looks  at  watch.) 

BURNHAM.     Is  that  him? 

(ROBBINS  stops.) 

ROBBINS.  No,  sir.  He  always  uses  his  key. 
'(turns  up) 

BURNHAM.  Wait  a  minute.  (ROBBINS  stops 
again)  I'm  goin'.  (tears  up  paper)  Never  mind 
this  note.  (BURNHAM  goes  up  to  get  his  hat)  He 
'phoned  me  to  call,  but  he's  late.  Just  say  I  was 
here,  will  you?  (at  door)  He  knows  what  it's  about 
and  you  tell  him  that  crude  oil  and  gas  proposition 
is  sure  fire  and  I'll  see  him  to-morrow. 

ROBBINS.     (opening  door)     I'll  tell  him,  sir. 

(As  ROBBINS  opens  door,  JAMES  LONG  (called  JIM), 
carrying  a  parcel,  and  LAWRENCE  MILLER 
(called  LARRY)  stand  in  thu  doorway.) 

JIM.  (cheery  voice)     Ah,  Robbins 

BURNHAM.  (breaking  in)  Excuse  'me,  gentle 
men. 

LARRY.     Certainly,  certainly! 

(Both  men  stand  aside  and  BURNHAM  exits.     JIM 
comes  down  and  continues.) 

JIM.  Certainly,  certainly.  Is  Mr.  Kellogg  in? 
[(crosses  to  R.  of  table) 

ROBBINS.    I  expect  him  every  moment,  Mr.  Long. 

(LARRY  hands  ROBBINS  his  hat.) 


8  THE  FOETUNE  HUNTER. 

LARRY,     (in  surprise.    Sits  on  arm  of  chair  K.  c.) 
Not  home  yet? 
EOBBINS.    Not  yet,  sir. 

(BOBBINS  takes  JIM'S  hat  and  crosses  up  to  hat-rack.) 

JIM.  No  wonder  he's  late  to-night.  Have  you 
heard  the  news,  Bobbins? 

EOBBINS.  I've  just  seen  it  in  the  evening  paper, 
sir. 

LARRY.    Do  you  think  Mr.  Kellogg  knew  about  it  ? 

EOBBINS.  I  don't  think  so,  sir.  I  never  heard 
him  mention  it. 

(JiM  takes  out  Tcnife,  cuts  string  and  opens  pack' 
age,  disclosing  two  quart  bottles  of  champagne. 
EOBBINS  crossing  L.) 

JIM.  (LARRY  goes  L.  of  table)  Mr.  Miller  and  I 
came  up  to  drink  to  the  new  partnership,  Bobbins. 
Have  you  got  a  cooler?  (JIM  crosses  R.  c.  to  EOB 
BINS)  Don't  want  these  to  get  warm ! 

(Door  bell  rings.) 

EOBBINS.    I'll  see  to  them,  sir. 

LARRY,     (going  up  toward  door)     There  he  is. 

EOBBINS.  ^  (c.)     No  sir.     He  wouldn't  ring. 

JIM.  (still  holding  bottles.  Starts  for  door  L.) 
Here,  wait!  You  attend  to  the  door  BOBBINS, 
We'll  do  this.  I  know  where  the  ice-box  is  in  every 
house  I  go  to.  Come  on,  (at  door)  Larry. 

LARRY.     Eight  you  are. 

(Exit  JIM  and  LARRY  L.  BOBBINS  goes  up  to  door 
u.  R.  c.  showing  in  NATHANIEL  DUNCAN,  called 
Nat.^  He^  has  top  coat  thrown  over  his  arm} 
carries  stick  and  umbrella  strapped  on  dress- 


THE  FOETUNE  HUNTER.  9 

suit  case  in  the  other  hand.    He  comes  into  the 
room,,  BOBBINS  regarding  him  with  surprise.) 

BOBBINS.  Why,  Mr.  Duncan!  (NAT  comes  down 
into  room) 

Nat.  Hello  BOBBINS  !  (BOBBINS  takes  coat  and 
hat  to  rack  and  closes  door) 

BOBBINS.    I  thought  you  were  out  West,  sir? 

NAT.     (still  quietly)     No. 

BOBBINS,  (goes  to  NAT)  But  it  was  only  yester 
day  Mr.  Kellogg  sent  you  a  letter  to  Omaha. 

NAT.    I  didn't  get  that  far 

BOBBINS.  Didn't — didn't  you  like  the  business; 
sir? 

NAT.  No,  I  don't  like  any  business  but  that  isn't 
the  reason  I  didn't  get  to  Omaha,  (crosses  BOB 
BINS  R.) 

BOBBINS,  (half  guessing  the  reason)  No,  sir? 
((taking  suit  case) 

NAT.  (looks  at  BOBBINS  and  says  quietly) 
They  fired  me,  Bobbins 

BOBBINS.    I'm  very  sorry,  sir ! 

NAT.  (after  a  moment's  grateful  glance  at 
BOBBINS.)  Oh,  it's  all  right.  I'm  used  to  it. 
Where's  my  trunk? 

BOBBINS.    In  your  room,  sir. 

NAT.  I  want  to  get  some  clean  things  out  of  it. 
Fetch  along  the  suit  case  will  you  ?  I'll  send  for  the 
trunk  to-morrow,  (starts  toward  R.  door) 

BOBBINS,  (down  c.  with  suit  case.  Great  sur 
prise)  Send  for  your  trunk? 

NAT.  (stops  and  turns.  Positively)  Yes, 
Bobbins,  send  for  my  trunk  and  get  it  out  of  your 
way.  (NAT  turns  R.) 

BOBBINS.  Are  you  going  away,  again  sir?  Have 
you  got  another  position? 

NAT.  (turning  to  BOBBINS)  No,  no  position, 
but  I'm  not  going  to  hang  out  here  any  longer. 


10  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

BOBBINS.    May  I  ask,  sir,  where  you're  going  to? 

NAT.  Hell,  I  think.  Here  let  me  have  that. 
(taking  suit  case) 

ROBBINS.  (smiling  and  very  Tcindly  tone)  Mr. 
Kellogg  will  never  allow  you  to  leave  here,  sir. 

NAT.     (at  door  R.)     He'll  have  to. 

ROBBINS.  (going  L.)  Oh,  you  are  only  just  a  bit 
blue,  Mr.  Duncan,  (indicating  chair  R.  of  table) 
Come,  come,  please  sit  down  and  let  me  get  you 
something. 

NAT.    Well,  you  get  it  while  I  pack. 

ROBBINS.     (going  L.)     Yes,  sir. 

NAT.   (turning  at  door  E.)     And  Robbing 

ROBBINS.     (turning  at  door  L.)     Yes,  sir? 

NAT.    Only  put  a  little  in  it. 

ROBBINS.    Only  a  little  what? 

NAT.    Seltzer!    (Exits  n.) 

ROBBINS.  Yes,  sir.  (exits  L.  laughing.  A 
moment's  pause) 

(HENRY  KELLOGG,  (called  HARRY,)  opens  the  door 
u.  R.  c.  with  latch  Icey,  WILLIAM  BARTLETT, 
(called  WILLIE)  who  is  with  him  enters.  KEL 
LOGG  follows  BAETLETT  in.) 

WILLIE,  (going  E.  c.)  I  can't  stop  Kellogg 
really.  I  was  dressing  at  the  Club,  happened  to  see 
it  in  the  paper  and  just  dropped  around  to  congrat 
ulate  you. 

HAEEY.    Your  father  hadn't  told  you  of  it,  then? 

WILLIE,  (front.  Sitting  E.  c.)  No,  the  Gov 
ernor  gave  up  talking  business  with  me  long  ago. 
I  can't  get  interested  in  it.  Of  course  I  knew  he 
thought  a  lot  of  you  and  all  that,  but  I  hadn't  a 
notion  they  were  going  to  take  you  into  the  firm. 

HARRY,  (at  table,  looking  at  letters)  I  hadn't 
the  slightest  idea  of  it  myself  until  your  father 
called  me  into  his  office  this  morning 

WILLIE.     Well,  I'm  jolly  glad  of  it,  old  chap. 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  II 

(JiM  and  LARRY  enter  L.    JIM  with  bottles  of  cham 
pagne  opened  and  LARRY  with  tray  of  glasses.) 

JIM.  (at  entrance  L.)  All  hail  to  the  future 
King  of  American  Finance ! 

HARRY,  (shaking  hands  with  boys)  Hello.,  boys, 
where  the  deuce  did  you  come  from? 

LARRY.  (L.  of  table.  Putting  glasses  on  table. 
JIM  fills  them)  Don't  be  alarmed,  we  won't  stay 
long.  We  only  came  around  to  take  our  hats  off  to 
you. 

JIM.  (busy  with  glasses)  And  tell  you  what  a 
great  fellow  we  think  you  are. 

HARRY,  (coming  over  R.  laughing)  Oh — that's 
it.  Do  you  know,  Mr.  Barlett?  Mr.  Miller, 
Mr.  Long. 

JIM.     Glad  to  know  you,  Mr.  Bartlett. 

WILLIE.    How  de  do. 

(As  WILLIE  turns  to  LARRY.) 

LARRY,  (coming  down  a  little)  I  know  Mr. 
Bartlett. 

WILLIE.  Oh  yes,  how  are  you,  Miller  ?  Glad  to  see 
you. 

HARRY,  (to  JIM)  Mr.  Bartlett  is  the  son  of  my 
employer. 

LARRY.  Your  what? 

HARRY,  (smiling  and  correcting  himself)  I  mean 

the  son  of  my  partner. 

(Goes  up  R.  to  hat-rack  and  arranges  his  tie.) 

JIM.     That's  better ! 

LARRY,  (to  WILLIE)  So  you've  taken  him  into 
the  firm? 

WILLIE.  The  Governor  has.  I'm  not  in  the  busi 
ness,  you  know — Xot  the  slightest  turn  for  it ! 


12  THE  FOBTIJNE  HUNTER. 

(HARRY  returns  c.) 

JIM.  (goes  above  table  to  WILLIE,  with  the  filled 
glasses)  Here  we  are.  (hands  glasses  to  WILLIE  and 
LARRY.  HARRY  R.  c.)  We'll  drink  to  him  first  and 
then  (goes  to  HARRY  and  gives  him  a  glass)  he  can 
drink  to  his  royal  little  self,  (returns  above  table, 
raising  glass)  Here's  to  Henry  Kellogg  of  the  firm 
of  L.  J.  Bartlett  &  Company. 

(Enter  NAT  R.,  dress-suit  case  in  one  hand.     Sees 
others.) 

LARRY,  (going  a  little  down)     Hear,  hear! 

WILLIE.    Good  work. 

JIM.  (as  NAT  stops  and  listens)  To  the  boy  who  is 
getting  on  in  the  world,  (sees  NAT.  No  one  shows 
surprise  at  NAT'S  presence  except  HARRY)  Ah,  Nat, 
just  in  time. 

(NAT  goes  to  meet  HARRY  and  JIM  comes  down 
around  table  with  glass — gets  another  glass  and 
fills  it.) 

HARRY,  (crosses  quickly  and  grasping  NAT'S 
hand)  Why,  hello,  Nat,  when  did  you  strike  town? 
( BOBBINS  enters  and  goes  above  table)  All  my 
friends  seem  to  be  here  to-night,  (turns)  Gad,  it's 
a  regular  surprise  party,  (goes  c.  BOBBINS,  with 
glass  on  tray,  crossing  above  the  others  to  NAT) 
Are  there  any  more  around  here,  Bobbins  ? 

BOBBINS.  No,  sir,  Mr.  Burnham  called,  sir,  but  he 
wouldn't  wait. 

(BOBBINS  and  JIM  reach  NAT  at  the  same  time,  each 
offer  a  glass.  NAT  looks  from  one  to  the  other, 
then  puts  down  the  suit  case  and  takes  both 
glasses,  they  all  laugh.) 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  13 

HAKRY.  Burnham?  Oh,  yes,  I  promised  to  meet 
him  here. 

BOBBINS.  He'll  see  you  to-morrow,  (crosses  to 
HARRY,  then  stops  and  turns)  Excuse  me,  sir,  but 
he  thinks  you  deserve  all  your  success  and  he  wants 
you  to  know  he  said  so.  (there  is  a  slight  laugh. 
Exits  L.) 

LARRY.  Well,  already  now.  (lifts  his  glass  L.  of 
table)  Come  on,  Nat! 

NAT.    What's  it  all  about? 

LARRY.    Why,  Harry's  good  fortune,  of  course. 

NAT.    What  good  fortune? 

(The  men  loolc  at  him.) 

JIM.  (above  table)  You  don't  mean  to  say  you 
haven't  heard? 

NAT.    Heard  what? 

JIM.  Why,  that  Bartlett  has  made  Harry  a  part 
ner ! 

(NAT  looks  quickly  at  HARRY.) 

LARRY.  That's  what  we're  here  for — to  congratu 
late  him. 

JIM.  Now  do  you  understand?  Once  more  now. 
To  the  boy  that's  getting  on  in  the  world ! 

(They  drink.    NAT  drinks  from  glass,  BOBBINS  has 
brought 'him.    Eyes  still  on  HARRY.) 

HARRY.     Gentlemen,  I  am  blushing. 

NAT.  (going  to  HARRY)  Oh,  Gee,  I'm  awful  glad, 
old  man ! 

HARRY,  (c.,  facing  front)  Why,  of  course  you 
are.  You  got  back  rather  suddenly,  didn't  you? 

NAT.    Yes. 

WILLIE,  (coming  to  R.  of  NAT)  I  say,  Duncan, 
don't  you  remember  me? 


14  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

NAT.    Willie  Bartlett ! 

WILLIE.  I  haven't  seen  you  for  years.  Not  since 
you  left  college,  (to  the  others)  Whenever  I  used 
to  go  on  a  spree  I'd  always  get  Duncan  to  show  me 
around. 

(HARRY  goes  L.) 

NAT.     (goes  L.)     Yes,  I  was  pretty  good  at  that! 

WILLIE.  By  Jove,  he  knew  more  pretty  girls ! 
(to  NAT)  Do  you  know  as  many  now? 

NAT.     (goes  R.)     No,  the  list  has  shrunk. 

WILLIE.  Oh,  I  don't  believe  it.  Remember  the 
night  you  took  me  out  and  showed  me  how  to  play 
Faro  Bank? 

(HARRY,  JIM  and  LARRY  talk  at  L.  of  table.) 

NAT.  Yes>  I  remember.  And  I  remember  what  a 
yap  we  thought  my  room-mate  was,  because  lie 
wouldn't  come  with  us.  (indicating  HARRY)  He 
was  my  room-mate. 

WILLIE.    What,  Kellogg? 

NAT.  (crosses  to  WILLIE)  Ah,  ha!  (takes  suit 
case,  starts  for  door)  Good-night,  Harry.  See  you 
later,  boys. 

HARRY,     (noticing  NAT)     Where  are  you  going? 

NAT.     (getting  hat  and  coat)     Over  to  the  hotel. 

t(JiM  goes  up  L.    LARRY  to  table.) 

HARRY,    (much  surprised)    Hotel?    What  hotel? 
NAT.    Where  I'm  stopping. 

(ROBBINS  enters,  goes  to  'hat-rack  above  table.    Gets 
hats,  etc.) 

HARRY.    (goes  to  ~N AT)    Where  you're—well,  here, 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  15 

you  can't  go  just  yet.  I  haven't  had  a  chance  to  talk 
to  you. 

JIM.    Well,  we'll  toddle  along. 

HARRY,  (turns  to  JIM  and  LARRY,  then  talks) 
Oh,  don't  hurry.  We've  just  got  here. 

WILLIE.  I  must  go,  anyway,  I've  a  dinner  engage 
ment.  (starts  toward  door) 

LARRY.    You'll  be  late,  won't  you? 

^WILLIE  stops,  goes  to  HARRY.) 

WILLIE.  Doesn't  matter.  I'm  always  late.  Good 
night,  Kellogg.  Congratulations  again,  (turns  R.  to 
NAT) 

HARRY.    Must  you  go,  really? 

WILLIE,  (to  NAT,  producing  card  cage  and  talcing 
out  card)  Look  me  up,  will  you,  Duncan?  We 
must  have  a  regular  old-fashioned  night  of  it  some 
time,  just  for  memory's  sake,  (gives  NAT  card) 

(HARRY  and  JIM  go  to  door.) 

NAT.  (R.  c.  talcing  card,  puts  suit  case  down) 
I've  memories  enough,  thanks. 

WILLIE.  Well,  for  any  reason  at  all,  so  long  as  we 
have  the  night,  (goes  up) 

(During  Ms  JIM  and  LARRY  have  "been  saying 
"  Good-night  "  to  HARRY.  HARRY  urging  them 
to  stay  longer  —  all  in  pantomime.  LARRY  comes 
down  R.  —  shakes  NAT'S  hand,  saying:) 


d  man. 
NAT.    (R.  c.)     Good-night. 

(BOBBINS  has  brought  their  hats  and  JIM  and  LARRY, 
and  WILLIE  exit.  EOBBINS  holding  the  door  for 
them.) 


16  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

WILLIE,  (as  they  go  out)  Which  way  do  you 
chaps  go  ?  I've  got  my  car 

(The  door  closes.) 

HARRY,  (near  door.  Going  to  NAT)  I  haven't 
dined  yet,  have  you  P 

NAT.     (c.)     No,  but 

HARRY.  (L.  of  table)  Good!  Suppose  we  dine 
here,  together,  (as  NAT  is  about  to  object)  Rob- 
bins! 

ROBBINS.    Yes,  sir. 

HARRY.  Order  dinnes  for  Mr.  Duncan  and  me 
from  the  Club. 

ROBBINS.    Yes,  sir. 

HARRY.    Hurry  it  up,  Robbins,  we're  hungry. 

ROBBINS.  Yes,  sir.  (starts  R.,  then  remembering, 
turns  at  door  L.)  Oh,  Mr.  Burnham  left  a  message. 
Said  that  crude  oil  and  gas  proposition  was  sure  fire 
and  he'd  see  you  about  it  to-morrow.  Oh,  pardon  me, 
sir,  but  will  you  allow  me  to  offer  my  congratulations  ? 

HARRY.    Of  course,  I  will,  Robbins,  thank  you. 

ROBBINS.    Fm  very  glad,  sir.     (ROBBINS  exits  L.) 

(HARRY  is  so  excited  and  happy  he  can  think  of 
nothing  but  his  own  good  luck.  Goes  to  NAT, 
and  putting  his  hand  on  NAT'S  shoulders.) 

HARRY.  Well,  I'm  feeling  pretty  good  to-night, 
Nat. 

NAT.  You  ought  to  be.  (turns  away  and  sits  R. 
of  table  L.  c.) 

HARRY.  You  could  have  knocked  me  down  with  a 
feather  when  they  sprung  it  on  me. 

NAT.    When  did  they  tell  you  ? 

HARRY.  Only  this  morning.  I  thought  they 
might  boost  my  salary  for  they  knew  other  people  on 
the  street  had  made  me  offers,  but  a  partnership  with 
L.  J.  BARTLBTT.  Think  of  it ! 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  17 

NAT.    I've  been  thinking  of  it. 

HARRY.  It  will  keep  me  mighty  busy,  but  you 
know  I  like  to  work. 

NAT.  (looking  at  HARRY)  That's  right — you  do. 
(with  a  half  sigh)  It  must  be  a  great  thing  to  like 
to  work. 

HARRY.  You  bet  it's  a  great  thing.  Why,  I 
shouldn't  care  to  live  if  I  couldn't  work,  (sits  on  edge 
of  table  L.  c.)  Remember  the  time  I  went  into  the 
country  for  my  health?  (NAT  nods  "yes"}  I'll 
never  forget  it.  Hanging  around  all  the  time,  doing 
nothing  and  every  one  else  busy.  Why,  I  wouldn't  go 
through  it  again  for  a  fortune.  I  felt  so  useless  and 
in  the  way 

NAT.  But,  you  could  pay  your  board — You  had 
money  ? 

HARRY.  Of  course,  but  I  felt  in  the  way,  just  the 
same. 

NAT.     (looking  at  HARRY)    You  did? 

HARRY.    I  did,  indeed. 

NAT.  Suppose  you  didn't  have  any  money  and 
couldn't  pay  your  board.  How  would  you  feel  then? 

HARRY,  (seeing  what  NAT  is  driving  at  and 
quickly  changing  the  subject)  Oh,  nonsense.  But, 
what  are  you  doing  East?  I  didn't  expect  you  back 
for  two  months.  I've  been  so  busy  talking  about  my 
self 

NAT.     Go  on  talking. 

HARRY.    No.    Tell  me  why  you  came  home? 

NAT.  (looks)  My  firm  did  what  yours  did — sent 
for  me 

HARRY.    When  was  that? 

NAT.  Wire  came  two  days  ago.  (takes  up  high 
ball  glass) 

HARRY.    Well  ? 

NAT.  I  got  in  this  afternoon,  (short  pause)  I 
didn't  exactly  think  they'd  boost  my  salary — and  they 
didn't — (shakes  glass  to  cool  drink)  You  see  they 


18  THE  FOKTUNE  HUNTEK. 

didn't  know  that  other  people  made  me  any  offers. 
(looks  up  at  HAREY)     And  they  hadn't? 

HARRY.    Have  you  seen  them  yet? 

NAT.    Yes,  I've  seen  'em! 

HARRY.    Who'd  you  see? 

NAT.    Spaulding. 

HARRY.    What  did  he  say? 

NAT.    Said  he  wanted  to  ask  my  advice. 

HARRY.    About  what? 

NAT.  Whether  I  thought  it  was  best  for  them  to 
give  up  their  customers  in  my  territory  or  send  a 
man  out  there  who  could  sell  goods 

HARRY,  (laughing  and  getting  off  table,  stands 
with  lack  to  front)  Did  Spaulding  say  that? 

NAT.  Something  like  that — (slight  pause)  Oh, 
he  was  all  right.  Offered  me  4a  month's  salary. 
Guess  he  thought  it  was  worth  that  to  get  rid  of  me. 
(drinks) 

HARRY,  (after  a  little  pause,  in  a'half  scolding 
tone)  Oh,  well,  don't  let  it  knock  you  out?  That 
month's  salary  will  last  a  while. 

NAT.    I  didn't  take  it. 

HARRY.    You  didn't? 

NAT.  (rises,  going  R.)  I  might  have  known  I 
couldn't  make  good.  The  thing  I  mind  most  is— 
is  that  it  was  you  who  got  the  job  for  me 

HARRY,  (following  him  c.)  Don't  think  of  that  for 
a  moment.  I'll  find  you  something  else  before  long 
and 

NAT.  (decidedly)     No  you  won't. 

HARRY,  (looking  at  him  in  surprise)  Don't  talk 
that  way.  I'll  get  you  in  right  somewhere  only— 
(sudden  thought)  By  Jove— the  very  thing? 
lere's  this  chap  Burnham  promoting  a  wonderful 
scheme  for  making  gas  from  crude  oil.  He  needs  my 
help !  I'll  get  you  in  there. 

NAT.  What  good  would  I  be?  What  do  I  know 
about  crude  oil  and  gas? 


THE  FOKTUNE  HUNTEK. 

HARRY    But  you  can  learn.    All  you  need 


NAT.  Wait  a  minute  Harry.  Now  once  and  for 
all  I'm  through  having  you  recommend  an  incom 
petent  man  just  because  we're  friends  and  I'm 
through  living  on  you  when  I'm  out  of  a  job. 

HARRY.  You  ought  to  know  that  you're  perfectly 
welcome. 

NAT.  I  know  all  that  and  more,  (looks  HARRY  in 
the  eye)  I  know  you've  been  a  prince  to  me;  I 
know  you've  kept  me  going  for  two  years,  ever  since 
I  found  out  I  couldn't  make  a  living  for  myself,  and  I 
know  I  can't  stand  for  your  doing  it  any  longer. 
(they  look  at  each  other) 

HARRY,  (turning  front)     Well,  then  that's  settled. 

NAT.  (sitting  R.  of  table.  Emphatically)  Yes, 
that's  settled! 

HARRY,  (going  up  L.)  Do  you  mind  telling  me 
what  you're  going  to  do? 

NAT.     No. 

HARRY,  (turning,  after  waiting  for  NAT  to  con 
tinue)  What  do  you  mean  by  "  No?" 

NAT.    I  mean  I  don't  mind  telling  you. 

HARRY,  (coming  down  L.)     Well,  what  is  it  then? 

NAT.     I  don't  know. 

HARRY.  Oh!  (there  is  a  pause.  Sitting  L.  of 
table)  Nat,  Pve  known  you  for  nine  years. 

NAT.    Is  it  that  long? 

HARRY.  Yes,  sir,  nine  years.  And  you  can't  room 
with  a  fellow  all  through  college  without  knowing 
him  pretty  well.  I  know  everything  about  you  as 
well  as  you  know  it  yourself  and  I  tell  you  you  were 
brought  up  all  wrong. 

NAT.    Well,  I've  been  brought  down  all  right. 

HARRY.  You  know  your  father  always  sent  you 
more  cash  than  you  could  spend  and  never  let  you 
think  of  the  value  of  money,  or  how  hard  it  is  to 
earn,  and  then  - 

NAT.    Yes,  and  then  he  went  broke  —  and  died, 


20  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

HARRY.  Yes;  and  all  you  had  left  was  an  im 
practical  education  in  your  head. 

NAT.    And  not  enough  of  that  so  you'd  notice  it. 

HARRY.  No  wonder  you  couldn't  jump  in  and 
earn  money. 

NAT.  (thinking.  Looking  at  HARRY)  That's  all 
very  fine  but  the  truth  of  it  is,  I  haven't  got  it  in  me. 
I  hate  work  as  much  as  you  like  it,  but  at  that  I  had 
a  good  hard  try.  You  may  not  think  so,  but  I  did ; 
and  I  found  out  that  they  don't  pay  enough  for  any 
work  that  I  can  do  for  a  man  to  live  decently  on. 

HARRY.     What  do  you  mean  by  decently? 

NAT.  Have  you  ever  tried  living  in  a  six  dollar  a 
week  New  York  boarding-house  ? 

HARRY.    No. 

^  NAT.  I  hava  Kept  books  in  a  fish  market  for 
nine.  Tried  paying  laundry  bills  and  clothing  my 
self  on  three.  Did  the  whole  thing;  you  know,  only 
one  schooner  of  beer  a  day  and  rolled  my  own 
cigarettes.  Didn't  have  to  get  to  work  until  five 
in  the  morning  and  I  lasted  eight  weeks  at  that  job, 
before  I  was  taken  sick.  Shows  what  a  great  con 
stitution  I  have.  I've  tried  all  the  jobs  that  are  open 
to  a  man  with  a  knowledge  of  Latin  and  Greek  and 
higher  mathematics.  Shipping  clerk,  time-keeper, 
cashier,  all  of  'em;  and  I  decided  that  I'd  rather  die 
than  live  the  way  I  had  to  live  on  such  wages.  I 
thought  I  had  a  chance  when  I  was  taken  ill  at  the 
fish  market — there  was  nothing  doing;  I  was  well 
again  in  two  weeks.  Perhaps  a  fellow  can  stand  those 
boarding-houses  that's  been  brought  up  in  them — but 
when  you've  been  used  to  the  other  thing,  it's  unbear 
able — filthy  rooms — awful  grub  and  the  crowd  you 
have  to  meet. 

HARRY.     And   that's   what  you   are  thinking   of 
going  back  to  ? 

NAT.    I  will,  before  I'll  sponge  on  you  any  longer. 
But  on  the  level  I'd  rather  try  the  East  River  or  turn 


THE  FOKTUNE  HUNTER.  31 

the  gas  on.    What's  the  use?    That's  the  way  I  feel. 
(looks  front) 

HARRY.  Oh,  rot !  All  you  want  is  a  way  to  earn 
some  money. 

NAT.  No,  get  it!  I'll  never  be  able  to  earn  it! 
That's  a  cinch ! 

HARRY.    Well !    There  are  ways  to  "  get  "  it. 

NAT.    I  wish  I  understood  the  burglar  business. 

HARRY,  (amused)     Would  you  steal  to  get  it? 

NAT.  I  can't  think  of  anything  I  wouldn't  do  to 
get  it. 

HARRY.  I  know  a  way,  if  you're  not  too  particular 
that  you  can  be  worth  a  million  in  a  year. 

NAT.  (about  to  light  a  cigarette,  stops.  Looks  at 
HARRY)  Say  that  again. 

HARRY,  (slowly)  You  can  be  worth  a  million 
dollars  in  one  year. 

NAT.  (still  looks  at  him  and  then  smiles)  What 
would  they  do  with  me  if  I  were  caught  ? 

HARRY.    Oh,  it's  perfectly  legal.    Done  every  day. 

NAT.    And  I  could  do  it  ? 

HARRY.  A  fellow  like  you  couldn't  fail.  (NAT 
after  a  moment's  pause,  takes  up  and  drinks  rest  of 
drink)  Why,  I've  thought  this  scheme  over  for  years 
and  I'll  bet  anything  it'll  work.  Would  you  like  to 
try  it? 

NAT.  Would  I  like  to  try  it?  (thort  laugh) 
That's  my  first  laugh  this  month. 

HARRY.     I'll  tell  you  how  you  can  do  it. 

NAT.  (turns  front)     Oh,  don't  kid  me,  Harry. 

HARRY.  Never  more  serious  in  my  life.  If  you 
want  to  try  it,  and  will  follow  the  rules  I  give  you 
I'll  guarantee  you'll  be  a  millionaire  in  a  year. 

NAT.    (seeing   HARRY  is  in   earnest,  speaks  very 
rapidly  with  excitement)     I'll  follow  all  the  rules  in 
the  world.    Come  on !    I'm  getting  palpitation  of  the 
heart.    What  have  I  got  to  do? 
HARRY.    Marry ! 


22j  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

NAT.    Marry? 

I T. MIRY.    Marry! 

NAT.    Who? 

HARRY.    A  girl  with  a  million. 

NAT.  (lie  sinks  lack  in  his  chair  despondently) 
Say  Harry,  it's  a  shame  to  stir  me  up  like  this. 

HABBY.  I'm  not  stirring  you  up.  I  mean  what  I 
say. 

NAT.  Oh,  come  off,  do  you  suppose  a  girl  with  a 
million  dollars  would  take  a  chance  on  me? 

HARRY.    Fm  sure  of  it. 

NAT.    What's  the  matter  with  her? 

HARRY.  There  is  no  particular  her.  You  can  take 
your  pick.  I've  no  more  idea  who  she  is  than  you 
have. 

NAT.  (losing  patience)  What  the  devil  are  you 
getting  at? 

HARRY.  I'll  tell  you.  This  is  a  pot  scheme  of 
mine.  Have  you  ever  lived  in  a  small  country  town? 
A  town  with  one  measly  hotel,  about  twenty  stores 
and  five  churches. 

NAT.    No. 

HARRY.  Well,  I  have.  Do  you  know  what  he- 
comes  of  the  young  people  who  grow  up  in  a  place 
like  that  ?t 

NAT.  (impatiently)    No — o! 

HAKUY.  Then  let  me  tell  you.  The  boys,  who've 
got  stuff  in  'em,  get  out  and  become  the  biggest  men 
in  our  cities.  The  Yaps  stay  there  and  clerk  in 
father's  store.  But  it's  not  so  easy  for  the  girls  to 
get  away.  A  few  of  them  do  by  going  to  boarding 
schools  and  colleges  and  meeting  and  marrying  some 
clmps  from  a  City,  but  most  of  them  have  to  stay 
at  home.  Why,  by  the  time  kids  are  old  enough  to 
think  of  gelling  married  there  isn't  a  small  country 
town  in  America  where  you  won't  find  four  times 
as  many  girls  as  hoys,  and  such  boys!  There  isn't 
one  in  ten,  that  a  girl  who's  gol  any  souse  at  all  could 
force  herself  to  marry.  Do  you  see?  Demand  forty 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTKK. 

times  the  supply.    T)o  you  know  there  are  tv.-nty 
times  as  many  jw]   looking  old   maid-  jn   OOiml 
town-  M  there  ftW  in  the  Citk         '        •  WCt,  ^ 

when  th>  roung  they  couldn't  tower  then 

enough  to  accept  what  wa:-:  leftjn  the  local  market. 

what  I'm  getting  at.? 

NAT.  (t/;/<  o  /"•;,:  fr^fi  lixtemng  intently)     >o. 
HARRY      \V<-]].  vou  will  in  a  moment.    Now  1 
a  yourirr  chap  from  the  city  with  a  j/ood  appearance, 
edncatecL  more  or  lens  of  a  gentleman,  who  foeCD  t 
talk  like  a  Yap  or  walk  like  a  Yap  or  dress  I 
Yap,  or  act  like  a  Yap,  thrown  into  such  a  town. 
Why  I  tell  you  there's  nothing  to  it. 
NAT     It's  wonderful  to  listen  to  you! 
HARRY.    It's  good  sense,  anyway.    Now,  here  yoi 
aro,   down  on  your  luck,  don't  know  how  to  earn 
your  living,  refusing  to  accept  anything  from  your 
friendH,  ready  to  lie,  steal,  or  murder  to  get  some 
money,  and  on  the  other  hand,  here  are  hundred"  of 
heire-es  with  plenty  of  money  for  two,  who 
you  may  easily  fall  in  love  with,    eading  the  rnor.t 
unhappy  live*.     Now  why  not  take  one-arid  he 
money,  make  her  happy,  he  happy  yourself  and  be  on 

for  the  rest  of  you  bfe? 
NAT    (^/^  <*««/>  Irnlh  and  turning  front) 
n't  help  thinking  there'.,  a  cateh  in  it  some 
HARRY.      Not    if    you    follow    my    iiwtrui 


, 

thing  ddferat^iv  starting  out  to  marry  a  woman  for 
STinoiiey-(tenM  tack  <o  HAEEY)  but  it  i«nt 
rotten  en^^h  I  What  hare  I  got  to  do? 

H  .en  you'll  try  it! 


,  out  wur  tv.',r 

of  about  two  thousan<l  inhabitanfe.    Most  all  of 
have  ^a  lew  rich  men  with  daughters,  but  we'll  make 


24  THE  FOETUNE  HUNTER. 

sure  of  that  when  we  select  one.    Of  course  the  town 
that  is  the  suburb  of  a  city  is  barred. 
NAT.    Why? 

HAERY.  Oh,  they  don't  count.  The  girls  in  'em 
always  know  people  in  the  City  and  that  spoils  the 
game. 

NAT.    I  see. 

HARRY.     Now  here's  the  hard  part  for  you,  but 
necessary  to  make  it  a  sure  thing. 
NAT.    Go  ahead. 
HARRY.    Well,  here  are  things  you  mustn't  do — 

you  mustn't 

NAT.     Wait  a  minute,     (takes  out  note-look  and 

writes  as  HARRY  talks)  mustn't  do 

HARRY.  You  mustn't  swear  or  use  slang,  you 
mustn't  smoke  and  you  mustn't  drink.  (NAT  sud 
denly  looJcs  up  at  HARRY)  It  might  be  fatal  if  you 
were  ever  known  to  go  into  the  hotel  bar.  And,  for 
a  time,  you  mustn't  accept  any  invitations  to  dances, 
parties  or  even  Sunday  dinners. 

NAT.  (whose  face  has  fallen  somewhat)  Why 
Sunday  dinners? 

HARRY.    Sunday  is  the  only  day  you'll  be  invited. 
Dinner  on  week  days  is  from  12  to  12 :  30  and  no 
time  for  guests. 
NAT.    Oh! 

HARRY.     Now  here  are  the  things  you  must  do. 

NAT.    Go  on.    (NAT  begins  writing  again) 

HARRY.     You  must  dress  faultlessly  but  quietly. 

Clothes  all  dark  and  plain  but  the  very  best  style,  in 

fact,  the  best  of  everything,  shirts,  collars,  ties,  hats, 

socks,  shoes,  underwear 

NAT.    Ain't  I  apt  to  be  raided  ? 
HARRY.     You  must  keep  your  shoes  polished,  be 
clean  shaven  and  manicured. 

NAT.    (whose    -face    has   grown   more    and   more 
gloomy)     Is  that  all? 

HARRY.    No,  you  must  work ! 

NAT.     (looks  at  HARRY  and  then  turns  away)    I 


THE  FOKTUNE  HUNTEK.  25 

knew  there  was  a  catch  in  it.  You  mean  I  must  get 
a  job? 

HARRY.    Yes. 

NAT.     (giving  up)     That  settles  it. 

HARRY.  Oh,  no,  I'll  tell  you  how  easy  enough. 
And  then,  to  cinch  the  whole  business  you  must  go 
to  church! 

NAT.  (looking  up)    What  for? 

HARRY.    That's  the  most  important  thing  of  all. 

NAT.  Does  going  to  church  make  a  hit  with  a 
country  girl? 

HARRY.  It  makes  the  biggest  kind  of  a  hit  with 
her  popper  and  mommer,  and  that's  very  necessary 
when  you're  looking  for  their  money.  You  must 
work  and  you  must  go  to  church. 

NAT.  (writing)  Can't  you  think  of  something 
more  ? 

HARRY,  (smiling  ~but  continuing)  Church  and 
work  are  the  biggest  parts  of  the  game,  but  you've 
only  got  to  keep  them  up  until  you've  landed  what 
you're  after.  As  soon  as  you  get  to  your  town  hunt 
up  some  old  woman  who'd  like  to  take  a  boarder; 
make  arrangements  with  her  and  move  in.  Be  sure 
and  find  one  who  talks  a  lot  so  she'll  tell  the  neigh 
bors  all  about  you.  Don't  worry  about  that,  though, 
they  all  talk !  When  you've  located,  stock  up  your 
room  with  about  twenty  of  the  driest  looking  books 
in  the  world,  have  drawing  instruments,  pencils, 
pens,  red  and  black  ink  and  all  that  sort  of  thing 
on  the  table,  and  make  the  room  look  as  if  you  were 
the  most  profound  student  ever.  Be  sure  and  have  a 
well  worn  Bible  too. 

NAT.    I'm  going  to  have  a  swell  time  I  can  see  that. 

HARRY.  Next  make  the  rounds  of  the  stores  and 
ask  for  work.  Try  and  get  into  the  dry  goods  store 
if  you  can.  The  girls  all  shop  there,  but  anything 
will  do  except  a  grocery  or  a  hardware  store  or  places 
like  that.  You  mustn't  take  any  job  where  you'll 
soil  your  clothes  or  get  your  hands  rough. 


26  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

NAT.  I'd  have  a  fine  chance  to  cop  out  a  million 
aire's  daughter  if  I  was  a  ribbon  clerk,  wouldn't  I? 

HARRY.  The  best  in  the  world !  The  ribbon  clerk 
is  the  social  equal  of  the  rich  girls  in  towns  like 
those.  He  calls  her  Mary  and  she  calls  him  Joe. 

NAT.  (writes)  All  right.  I'll  be  a  dry  goods 
clerk.  What  next? 

HARRY.  The  store  keepers  are  not  apt  to  employ 
you  at  first,  they'll  be  suspicious  of  you. 

NAT.    I  dare  say. 

HARRY.  But  don't  let  that  worry  you.  Just  call 
and  say,  "  I'm  looking  for  employment." 

NAT.  (writing)     "  I'm  looking  for  employment." 

HARRY.  Yes,  but  don't  press  it.  Say  it  and  go 
out. 

NAT.  (writing)  "  Say  it  and  go  out."  I  can  get 
that  right  easy.  It's  always  that  way  when  I  ask  for 
work. 

HARRY.  They'll  send  for  you  after  a  time.  When 
they  see  you'll  draw  trade.  And  every  Sunday, 
church !  Pick  out  the  one  the  rich  people  go  to.  Go 
in  quietly  and  do  just  as  they  do.  Stand  up  and  sit 
down,  look  up  the  hymns  and  sing.  Be  careful  not  to 
look  as  if  you  were  trying  to  show  off.  Don't  sing 
too  loud  or  anything  like  that,  but  do  it  all  modestly, 
as  if  you  were  used  to  it.  Better  go  to  church  here 
two  or  three  times  and  get  the  hang  of  it.  Now 
nearly  all  the  wealthy  old  ducks  in  those  towns  are 
church  deacons  and  though  they  might  not  speak  to 
you  for  months  on  the  outside,  it's  their  business 
after  church  is  over  to  shake  hands  with  you,  hope  you 
enjoyed  the  sermon  and  ask  you  to  come  again,  and 
they'll  all  take  notice  of  you  from  that  time  on. 

NAT.  (admiringly}  No  wonder  they  made  you  a 
partner ! 

HARRY.  Now  if  you  follow  these  rules  not  only 
will  all  the  girls  in  town  be  falling  over  themselves 
to  get  you,  but  their  fathers  and  mothers  will  ^be 
helping  them.  Then  all  you've  got  to  do  is  to  pick 


th 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  27 

out  the  one  with  the  most  coin  and  let  her  propose 
to  you. 

NAT.    Let  her  propose  to  me  ? 

HARRY.    Let  her  propose  to  you. 

NAT.  (long  sigh)  Whew!  How  am  I  going  to 
live  until  I  get  in  the  dry  goods  store? 

HAERY.    I'll  stake  you. 

NAT.    No  you  won't.    I  wouldn't 

HARRY.  Now  stop !  It's  not  the  slightest  risk,  if 
you'll  play  the  game  out.  For  a  while  the  dullness 
will  drive  you  half  crazy. 

NAT.    I  don't  mind  the  dullness. 

HARRY.  Then  listen;  to-morrow  go  to  the  tailors 
and  furnishers  and  don't  pike  about  it.  Get  plenty 
and  the  best  of  everything,  and  I'll  pay  for  it. 

NAT.    Now  see  here. 

HARRY.  Wait — this  is  a  business  proposition.  No 
friendship  in  it.  You  give  me  your  word  of  honor 
to  see  this  through  and  faithfully  follow  instructions 
and  after  you  are  married  to  pay  me  a  thousand 
dollars  beside  what  I  advance  you  and  I'll  consider  it 
a  mighty  good  deal  for  myself. 

NAT.    You  really  mean  it? 

HARRY.     Every  word  of  it! 

NAT.  (offering  hand)  Then  I'll  go  you.  Word  of 
honor. 

HARRY,  (shaking  hands)  Hight  you  are.  You 
can  be  ready  in  two  weeks'  time.  I'll  get  you  your 
wardrobe  and  give  you  five  hundred  dollars  cash. 
That's  more  than  you  can  spend  if  you  don't  get  any 
job. 

(BOBBINS  enters  L.,  with  two  cocktails  on  tray.) 

BOBBINS.    Dinner,  sir!     (offers  cocktails) 
HARRY,  (talcing  glass  and  rising)     Well,  here's  to 
e  fortune  hunter ! 

NAT.  (rising  also  and  raising  glass)  God  help  the 
the  future  Mrs.  Duncan ! 

CURTAIN. 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  29 


ACT  II. 

SCENE: — SAMUEL  GRAHAM'S  drug  store  in  Eadville, 
Pa.  It  is  a  desolate  and  dilapidated  old  store, 
the  soiled  and  faded  paper  cracking  off  the  wall 
in  spots.  Village  street  baching. 
Window  up  R.  in  which  are  several  old  bottles 
and  odds  and  ends,  sponges,  moth-balls,  etc. 
Two  gas  jets  for  lighting  up  the  window.  Old 
hat  rack  to  L.  of  window  on  the  wall.  Up  R.,  in 
side  of  window,  old  work  bench  with  vario-us 
tools  and  a  model  of  some  sort.  Underneath  the 
bench  is  some  sort  of  an  arrangement  looking 
like  a  dentist's  laughing  gas  arrangement  with 
pipes  leading  to  a  small  tank.  A  rubber  hose 
leads  from  this  tank  to  a  gas  jet  just  above  it. 
(This  gas  jet  is  practical,  being  the  one  BURN- 
HAM  lights  during  the  ACT.)  Up  R.  c.  is  an  old 
bench  made  out  of  a  couple  of  saw  horses  with  a 
model  of  one  of  MR.  GRAHAM'S  inventions.  Old 
chair  in  front  of  work  bench.  An  old  stove  down 
c.  with  pipe  leading  off  (Overhead}  to  L.  An  old 
chair  to  L.  of  it  and  an  old  box  to  R.  of  it.  Up  L. 
is  an  old  prescription  counter  with  several  large 
bottles  all  of  which  are  empty  or  nearly  so  and 
an  old  cigar  case  with  the  glass  broken,  several 
packages  and  an  old  candle  holder  with  candle. 
L.  and  running  obliquely  up  and  down  stage  is 
soda  counter  with  a  practical  tap,  with  glasses, 
and  holders  and  a  few  bottles  all  of  which  are 
empty  except  one  which  is  about  half  full  of 
vanilla  syrup.  Behind  soda  and  prescription 
counters  are  rows  of  dirty  shelves  with  numerous 
bottles  of  various  sizes,  most  of  which  are  empty. 


THE  FOKTUXE  HTXTER. 

On  lover  skelf  of  rote  behind  the  soda  counter  is 
«  fast  of  vkisltey  and  a  whiskey  gla-ss. 
Don  K.  is  door  hading  to  the  street  trith  the 
mem*  of  S.  GRAHAM  on  the  door — half  of  the 
letters  are  missing..  On  L.  is  door  leading  to 
office.  On  this  door  is  some  lettering  which  was 
"Office"  but  now  tool's  Me  "  Of  ic." 


TOTE: — June.    A  quarter  to  twelve — 3Toofi. 

DISCOVEEED:— WATTY  and  Hi  seated  at  store  c. 
WATTY  L.  aw  old  box  and  Hi  R.  on  old  chair. 

HL     Yes  sir.  he's  the  poorest  man  in  this  town. 
WATTY.    Yes,  I  gness  he  is. 

(BETTY  enters  from  Office  door  L.  with  a  jug  and 
box  and  old  papers.  Puts  jug  and  box  on  coun 
ter  L.  and  puts  papers  into  stove  c.) 

WATTY.    Where's  your  father  gone.  Betty  ? 

BETTY.  He  was  going  over  to  the  bank  to  see  Mr. 
Lockwood  and  I  don't  know  where  else,  (at  store) 

Hi.  (BFTTY  going  up  L.)  I  don't  envy  him  his 
call  on  Blinky  Lockwood  none,  ("aughs) 

WATTY.  Maybe  he's  depositin'  his  coupons.  Is 
it?  (Hi  and  WATTY  laugh.  BETTY  loolts  up 


BBTTT    (going  behind  counter)     Perhaps  they're 
ring  to  charge  rent  to  the  ones  who  sit  aronnd  here 
an  day. 

(TEACEY  enters  JL,  crosses  to  BETTY  L.) 

HL  (rising  and  Icnoclcing  pipe  against  store) 
There,  there,  now,  Betty!  Don't  get  sarcasticaL 
Tflainft  pretty  in  a  young  girL 

TEACBT.    (handing  BETTY  letter)     Xote  for  yon 


THE  FOKTUXE  HUXTER  31 

I  from  the  Lockwood's,  Betty,  Josey  asked  me  to  bring 

BETTY,      (suspiciously)      From  the   Lockwoods? 

: 

TEACEY.  Yah  ha!  Ifs  an  invitation.  I  got  four 
more  to  take,  I've  got  five  more  but  one  of  'em's 
for  me.  (turns  and  goes  B.)  Hope  you'll  have  a 
good  time  when  it  comes  ofL 

BETTY.    But  what  is  it  Trac 

TEACEY.    It  tells  in  the  invitation:  g'bye. 

(TEACEY  exits.  BETTY  opens  note,  reads  it  and  puts 
it  into  pocket,  then  goes  up  to  counter  and  works 
c.) 

WATTY.  Thafs  to  the  party  Josie's  a  givin';  If  11 
be  the  biggest  time  you  ever  see. 

Hi.  I  figger  she's  a  gettin'  it  up  fer  that  Xew 
York  Dood. 

WATTY.    Duncan  ? 

Hi.    Ta  ha. 

WATTY.  I  didn't  know  he  was  'quainted  with  the 
Lockwood's. 

Hi.    I  didn't  know  he  was  'quainted  with  nobody. 

WATTY.  Wai:  he's  durned  curious — he's  boardin' 
with  Hetty  Carpenter  and  she  says  he's  allis  a  set- 
tin'  in  his  room  a  studyin'  and  studyin'  and  a  study- 
in' — nobody  ever  hardly  sees  him  'cept  in  church. 

Hi.    I  claim  he's  a  'spicious  character. 

WATTY.  Don't  look  to  me  as  though  he  knew 
enough  to  be  much  of  anything,  (chuckling) 

Hi.  If  he's  a  sure  'nough  student  and  there  ain't 
no  outs  about  'im.  what  in  tarnation  is  he  doin'  here  ? 
Thaf  s  what  I'd  like  to  have  somebody  tell  me. 

WATTY.  Hetty  says  he  wants  a  quiet  place  to 
study. 

Hi.  Oh,  fiddle,  you  don't  ketch  no  Xoo  York 
young  feller  a  settlin'  down  in  Eadville  'less  he's 


;;•>  TIIM    !''<  >I.TI  I  N  K    IIUNTMK. 

rrn/y  or linn'  \\orv  hut  laiu'l  no  U86  Irllin' 

llrliy  Carpenter  Ihal,  if  anyhody  nays  a  \\ord  a».im' 
him,  he  Inii  Vni  n;di  up. 

\\  LTTT,  (/•<••'".'/  )  'Tain'1  only  Nelly,  hut  all  the 
Women's  on  In;,  HJdo.  Thai's  proof  eiioii-h  lo  me  ho 
jiin'l.  n.",hl.  (!/<>!"</  "/'.  wcimj  IlKTTY)  \\'hal  do 
\nii  llnnk  ahoiit  him,  MHly  ':' 

liK'ITY.  I  liaxen'l  seen  him.  (holli  men  ri'i/iird 
her  in  Hi  astonish  men  I ) 

III.  (i/oin,/  Ion-aril  r>i"i"l'Y  )  Ain'l  seen  him? 
Why  he's  hecn  here  more'n  a.  month  Ain'l  H(Mlll 
him  \\ell,  don'l  you  waste  no  more  time  adoin'  it. 
He's  n  lernhle  dood. 

Ill-TTY.      I  don't  want  lo  see  him.     (c.i 'its  inltt  office) 

\\'vi"r\.  (•<'///(//(/  (loirn  lo  ii.  of  store  dint  sil^  in- 
(Innr.  Ill  is  \,.  c.  fillinii  his  /"/"')  I'Y<»  pressed 
Homo  o*  his  clothes  when  he  was  livin*  at  the  hotel. 
I  neyer  see  such  dollies.  Such  ;-;oods  and  linin's. 

( HirrTY  ciilcra.) 

III.  (I,,  c/  slorc  and  /'//////////  nutlch)  K'oland 
Hnrnetle  :a\  ;  lliev  ilin't  sl.yli.--.li  lhoii;di.  Too  iniicll 
lik«-  an  undeHukcr's  <';il  up  (H<ilt  /x  /"'/"') 

\\  \  i  n  .  \\'ell,  K'oland  oiiidder  know  he's  the 
fan.  h'  I  .hv  ed  up  I'clier  in  the  counly.  (sits  on 
Im.f  i,.  of  store] 

III.  When  (Ins  en:  ;  Puncan  fust  conn*  lu«n»  CYIMT- 
ho.lv  hul  me  li'-reivd  he  had  slacks  of  money — £U688 
Ihey'ro  sin^in'  a  dilTcrt-nl  lunc  no\\  siiue  he's  hci-n 
;'."in*  around  to  lh(«  slon»H  nskin'  for  work. 

\\'  \  CT1  .      feil    1    "ii.-.s    lh(>y   bo. 

III.  Hi1  come  into  Leonard's  yesterday  and  a^ked 
for  a  jolt  hul  the  minit  Ken  looked  up  al  him  he 
lurnr.l  ri"ht  around  and  sunk  oul  wilhoul  a  wailin' 
for  I  .en  lo  .i\  M  uor.l  lie's  lh,«  *Miriousosl  crillcr 
Ve  (>\er  had  in  tin  to\\  n 

WATfl  >'.  .  1  ffUeM  he  is.  (clock  strike* 
/f/v/iv)  ThalV  UO.MI,  I'll  go, 


Tin<;  MWTiiNi'i  IMINTMI?. 

III.     Well,   I'll  ;;•<>  willi  you. 


(  LOCK  WOOD  ntlrrx.) 

LOCKWOOD.  (slior/fi/)       (loo,  |    moriiin'. 

W.VITI     ;IIH|  III.       <;<M><|     in.  .ruin'     Mr.     I  ,oek\\  ood. 
(Hi  cij  f.rll) 

LOCKWOOD.  (rms.sr.s-  L.  In   I'.r.TTv)      \Vh,  • 

father? 

HKTTY.       (who    '•*    /•///•/•////</    in.   front    of   ruiinli-r) 

I  le    UM'lil,    In    UK-    hank    In    H('(!    you. 

LOCKWOOD.     Oh  In;  did,  did   he?      Did   In:  |,;i.v«-  any 
thing  for  MIC? 

KITTY.      I   don'l,  know  sir.      I'm  ;ifr;iid   nol. 

L<»(    KWO(.I).        \\r||,     |f    |,«,    did,,  'I,    (I,,.  rc'.S    IK)    IIS(!    HCO 

in'    inc.       1  1.   \\diTl    do   jiny    ;'<K.  d 

IlKT'i-Y.        (am/ri/      luniiiuj)        \     ;-II<';;M     In;    known 
Mini,. 

LOCKVVOOD.       (njciiKj    her]       1  1,-    docs,    rh?      \\VII 


don'l,  do   no   Inisiiir.ss   here,   nol,   (.<>  npc-ik   of,   do 


J{KTTY.  (//'////  no  inlm'^l)  No  sir,  nol,  l,o  Hpc:d. 
of.  (Ih  i'n,  in-Ill.  <i  (li'::irr  l<t  I  lunik  him,  ri^im/)  Oh, 
Mr.  Ijockwood,  .lo..i«-  ;cnl,  me  an  invitation  lo  her 
party. 

LOCK  WOOD.  She  h;i;;  lias  :  he?  Midi  !  ('.-://  or/, 
unplvaxanl  hnii/li  ,  then  //o/-.s-  ////,  </l(nn-in</  «/ui<  I,-///  <nt</, 
kccidij  around  I  hr  y.lnrr  lii/iTY  r/o«:v  behind  llu: 
counter  -irilh,  /mil.)  Your  I'alher'H  Htill  Cooling  vvilh 
Ill's  inventions,  ;un't  In-  wluil.'s  he  invenlm'  now? 

Rlfl'TY.  I  don't  know  whal,  it  iri.  (}>oinlin</  11/1 
I'.  )  Thcro'n  the  model  he1:,  uorkin;^  on. 

LOCK  WOOD.        (  f/or.*;    lo    niodr!    \\.    inn!    l.tmlt:>;    /"/    nrrr 

disdainfully]      l-'ooli;  hner:  -\\     Why  don't  \«>n  led   him 
not  to   wa'-fi-   lii      lime   (hi  :    way? 

I'.I.TTY.         (lld/H-ffytll)          I',.  .(•;,,  I    r     |,e    like/     il. 

LOCKWOOD.     (////   i;.)     \vi...t   diflwanoe   -loes   it 

make?      It  don't   l>rin^   liim    nolhin*   doe:',    it? 


ill  Till'}   FOKTUNI';   IIUNTKi;. 

HICTTY.     N<»n' 

I  jiM-K  \vonn.      (ftnniinf   </<nrn    In-low  y.lurr)       Nor  do 
:in\    "ood. 

'llKTTY.      No 

Lo.'h  \voon  No  cirri',  il  don'l.  l!r  oii"lil<T  l"|> 
ll  Wind,  dor;',  lir  <lo  Wllll  lhr;:r  Illili"  ''  (  fini  nl  I  nif 
In  ,„,,,/,/,)  Wlirll  lir  ;•<•!;;  Ihrlll  fimshrd? 

IlllTY.         Nollilll",. 

|j(M!K\vnoi>.  Thiil1;1.  il.  nollim'  nor  nrvrr  did,  did 
ho? 

I 1  Km         When    hr   luid    liioiiry    lir   n:  'rd    lo   <<r\.   \.\\um 
pnlrnlrd;    hill     In'    run'l.    Jlli.y     innro.        (<-<nniinj    Jnirn 
Ix'toii*  coiinli'i  ) 

L<)<  'K  \\  i  >oi>  No|  niiirh  he  (.'III1!.  Mr  ll;  cd  io  "r|, 
Miil.1,  MioiH'V  from  inc.  I  lln»u«dd  id  fn;.l  Ihrrr  nii"ld, 
hi-  Moiiioiliin'  HI  'mi.  I  oii;ddrr  h.'ivr  known  hrllrr. 

Hi'riTY.  (iniiinhi)  lir  wouldn't  n.  ^ot  money  from. 
\oii  if  IK*  liiiiln'l  I  hoirdd  hr  could  |»:i  V  il  h.ii'k. 

hocKWoon.  (<jniiilii)  No  nor  if  J  hadn't 
ilunijdd  hr  roidd 

ni'rr'I'Y.      I  lull  I      (<//<///(<•.•;  (il  lii  in  <ni</nli/  tin,!  rn/.s- 

I,.  I/OCK\VOO|)  ////•/;;;  i;  d::  if  In  //«».  liOI,\NI>  I*.  UINKT'P 
fi/lfi:;  ll'llli  Ml{.  ItltUNIIAM  K.  llAHNF.TT  .'.•/«>/>.«;  :-lir- 
'  ll  foil  ::<'<•!  Ui]  I  /()(  'l\  \V()()I>) 

llAKNKTT  (i;.  «'  )  Oil,  I  didii'1  know  you  \vrro 
lirrr,  n. 

|iOi'K\vooi>        ^  «•;,      you    nrrdn'i,    holhrr    wilh    i.liirt 

1li:dlrr        I'll    'i<Mld    lo    ll     IllVi-.rlf. 

HAUN  I'Vn*.       I    didn'l    ronir   li>   ; :rr   nhoid    Ihr    nolr 
SMIII    WMM    ovrr    lo    Ihr    hunk    lo    nrr    you    ahonl     lh:il. 
(  I'.I-I.-N  ll  VM     <-«n;<--;    <toirn     u.    of    BAHNIVIT)       Oil     Mr. 
I  io. -k  \\ood.   Irl    inr   ndrodu.c   \ou    lo  :i    fnrnd   of   mine, 
Mr     r.nrnhiiin    from    Nrw    York. 

UIMJNIIVM     (crossitiij   In    lioi,ANl>. 
until    Lon\\vooi))       llo\\    nrr    yo»i  ? 

LOCKXVOOM.       How    d«%   do:' 

.      I    hi-oujdd     Mr.    r.undinin    OV»M-    i<> 
nboul 


Till'!   KOIJTIINK   HllNTKi; 


IliiKNMAM.  (hn'iikuH/  in  ::iiili(<'iili/  iiml  inlli  ii'tirn 
in//  <iltin<r  <il  KAUNKTT)  Ye;',,  K-irnell.',",  IMTII  :  Imw 
in.'  inr  around  l-own  ii,  l»i(.  (</«,.,••.  l<>  LOCK  wool)) 
Prd.iy  IH.Mi1  pl.'iee,  I  Uilllk. 

LOCK  \vo(»i>.       I  Inr  on    hu;;in,'MH? 

KUKNIIAM.      (liinniK/)      Oh   no,   nol,  exael.ly.     .In.  I. 
look  i  \\<ri  jdxml  . 

I  jix'K  \\ooi>.      (  )nly  lt  Idol.  in;',  "  di  ':' 


(r,i;i:NIIAM    Mrs   Ilir   irink   from.    I  jo<  'I.  vvonn'ii  n 
n/rs  mill  Innk.-,  <tl,  linn 


M.       All,    li:r,    I  li:i  I.':'.   :ill        (  h'K  '  K  \V«  ><  >l>   7/'  /'///,  v? 
a</(iin)       \\'liy       don'l,   you    hrlicvc    il  .? 

ho*  K  \\(M)|>.  I  don'l.  !'«•(•  no  IT;I::OII  why  I  ('JiolddiTL 
'(</<ini</  In  <lnnr)  I  ho|n-  you'll  likr  wluil.  y«>n  ;  .-,-. 
(Jood  d.iy. 

IIIII.'N'II  A  M.        So    loll"-,     Ml'.     ho«  I.Wood 

LOCK  WOOD.  (nl  tlnnr)  I'M-  Im.rk  ill,  UK-  I'nul.  :il. 
one,  I'ohind. 

r,Ai;Ni-;i"r.      Oli    y<".\   ,".ii       l^i    5ilw:i_y:!  on    I.JHM-. 


(hoi  i.  v,ooi>  •//'////    ii   (/run!  tif    I'  \  i:  •;  i  /n  ';  :  ///.•:/.   rrm.n.rlt: 
r.M/.,     i;.    /</•/.  -.7,  7//.) 

licifNIIAM.      Wlui.l,   WiiM   lie   winl.ni(r  :il    in'-    for? 

BAHNKTT.  II*1  w:i::n'l.  winl.iiiK  lie  coiildn1!,  hcl|> 
d(,iii"  i|i;d.  it/H  n  Iwilclini"  h"':'.  ;rol,  iii  limey  l.li;il.vi 
why  lln-y  c;ill  him  Klnil.y  ho«l;\vood. 

BTIT?NHAM.    Oh,  l,h:il,  WJIH  it. 

I',AI:-;I/|'|'.      S;iy    lie.'.:   ."ol    HO    rniieli    money    In-   enn'l, 


|'I;I:';MAM.  (  f.nnl.-uu/  'ir/i)  Well,  he  look:-,  JIM  if 
lie'd  ;i  I  w;i  y  '.  h;i  n"  onlo  il  . 

liAir.'KTT.  hon'l,  you  he  •(,  lire  ;ihoul  l.lui.l.  I'm 
;r  »«,i,  d  .  <-M";i"<-d  to  hi  'l;ui"hler 

I'.i  HNIIAM.      I  i    Ih.  J.I,  HO?      HJI.H   h<-   ir.<>\.    more    l.h:«.n 


86  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

BARNETT.  (near  stove  R.)  No,  Jose's  an  only 
child.  (BETTY  comes  out  of  office.  BARNETT  turns 
and  sees  her.  To  BETTY)  Your  father  about? 

BETTY,  (without  interest)  No  but  he'll  be  back 
any  minute. 

BARNETT.  (crossing  to  her)  Well,  Mr.  Burn- 
ham  wants  to  see  him  right  away.  He's  come  clear 
from  New  York  on  purpose  to — 

BURNHAM.  (stopping  him  abruptly  and  stepping 
in  front  of  him)  Oh  no,  no — (turning  with  a  scowl. 
To  BARNETT)  What's  the  matter  with  you?  (BAR 
NETT  goes  up  a  little  and  leans  on  counter  L.  To 
BETTY  again)  No,  I  happened  to  be  in  town  and 
thought  I'd  like  to  have  a  little  talk  with  your  daddy, 
that's  all.  Nothing  important,  but  if  you  know 
where  to  send  for  him 

BETTY,  (goes  up  R.  takes  of  apron  and  gets  hat) 
I  guess  I  can  find  him. 

BURNHAM.  (easily)  All  right.  Suppose  you 
try. 

BETTY,  (going  toward  door)  Will  you  wait  till 
I  get  back? 

BARNETT.    'Course  we1  will. 

BURNHAM.  No  use  to  give  him  my  name,  he 
doesn't  know  me. 

BETTY,  (in  door)  I'll  tell  him  you're  from  New 
York,  that'll  be  enough,  (exit) 

BURNHAM.  (turning  on  BARNETT)  .  You're  a 
fine  thing  you  are.  First  you  came  near  telling  the 
banker  about  this  and  then  you  start  in  with  the 
daughter  in  a  way  that  would  make  this  old  duck 
want  a  million  for  his  burner. 

BARNETT.  (laughing,  sitting  up  on  counter, 
swinging  legs)  Oh,  that  needn't  bother  you.  Sam 
Graham's  the  easiest  thing  in  the  world.  Ask  any 
body  in  town  if  he  ain't.  He  had  plenty  of  money 
when  he  first  came  here  and  he's  always  worked 
hard,  but  he  kept  lendin'  and  lendin'  and  endorsin* 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  37 

notes  for  people.  He  ain't  got  a  penny  now,  and 
if  you  offer  him  anything  for  that  burner  he'll  grab 
it,  you  see  if  he  don't. 

BTJKNHAM.     (turning  L.)     Broke,  is  he? 

BARNETT.  I  should  say  he  was.  Just  look  at  this 
store.  (BURNHAM  looks  about.  Going  to  BURN- 
HAM)  and  listen,  we  had  a  note  of  his  come  due  at 
the  bank  yesterday,  he  can't  pay  it  and  Lockwood 
ain't  goin'  to  renew  it  fer  him. 

BURNHAM.     (rises,  interested)     Is  that  so? 

BARNETT.  Sure,  (going  up  and  looking  about) 
Say,  I  can  show  you  that  burner  now.  Maybe  if  you 
saw  it  work  you  wouldn't  need  to  give  him  anything ! 
I  don't  think  it's  patented.  (ROLAND  goes  R.  to 
burner) 

BURNHAM.  See  here — (ROLAND  stops  and  turns — • 
BURNHAM  goes  up  to  ROLAND)  I  ain't  a  crook,  get 
that  in  your  head.  Any  deals  I  pull  off,  I  pull  off 
square.  Besides  I  know  it's  patented.  I  looked  it 
up.  (coming  down) 

BARNETT.  (pointing  u.  R.)  See,  there's  the  thing 
now.  (BURNHAM  goes  R.  above  stove  and  looks 
quickly  at  an  object  resembling  a  dentist's  laughing 
gas  arrangement,  BARNETT  goes  to  it  explaining. 
BURNHAM  goes  R.  below  bench)  The  oil  goes  here, 
this  is  the  burner,  he  lights  it  here  and  the  gas  goes 
up  through  that  pipe.  There's  one  of  the  jets,  look. 
(points  to  gas  jet  on  lower  side  of  window) 

BURNHAM.  (listens  attentively  to  BARNETT  and 
then  crosses  him  to  jet,  looks  into  street,  then 
strikes  a  match  and  turns  on  gas  and  lets  it  burn 
an  instant  then  turns  it  of)  Great  guns! 

(GRAHAM  comes  down  past  windows,  outside.) 

BARNETT.  (enthusiastically)  It's  all  right,  ain't 
it? 

BURNHAM.    (quickly  concealing  his  feelings)    Oh 


38  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

well,  it  may  amount  to  something,  (crosses  E.  c.) 
It's  hard  to  tell. 

BARNETT.  (excitedly)  Why  I  tell  you  it  will 
revolutionize  the  whole — (crossing  L.  c.  Noise  is 
heard  at  door) 

BURNHAM.  (quickly)  Sh — h — who's  this?  (door 
opens) 

BARNETT.    That's  him  now.     (goes  up  R.) 

GRAHAM,  (enters,  sdes  BURNHAM,  smiles  and 
nods  pleasantly)  How  de  do,  sir?  (goes  up  to  put 
his  hat  away.  Sees  BARNETT)  Hello  Roland.  (BAR- 
NETTE  comes  down  between  GRAHAM  and  BURN- 
HAM) 

BARNETT.     (loudly)     Say  Sam 

BURNHAM.     (scowls  at  him)     Sh- 


GRAHAM.     (turning  and  coming  down)     Well. 

BARNETT.  Oh  nothing — I  was — er — showing  my 
friend  Mr.  Burnham,  from  New  York,  round  town 
and  we  just  happened  to  look  in 

GRAHAM,  (coming  down  c.  looking  at  BURN- 
HAM)  Took  this  for  the  old  curiosity  shop  perhaps. 
Won't  you  sit  down,  sir?  (pointing  to  chair  at  K.  of 
stove) 

BURNHAM.     (sits  on  old  chair)     Thank  you. 

GRAHAM,  (pointing  to  lox  at  L.  of  stove)  Try 
that  box,  Roland.  It  don't  make  a  bad  seat,  (going 
to  L.  toward  office.  Calling)  Betty!  Betty. 
Where's  she  gone  I  wonder?  She'd  love  to  see  some 
one  from  New  York,  (turning  lack  c.) 

BURNHAM.  (laughing)  Oh  we've  seen  her,  Mr. 
Graham.  She  went  out  looking  for  you 

GRAHAM.    Oh ! 

BARNETT.  (tactfully  with  proud  look  and  wink  at 
BURNHAM)  Yes,  Mr.  Lockwood  was  here,  guess 
that's  what  she  wanted  to  find  you  for? 

GRAHAM*  (face  growing  serious)  Lockwood ! 
Did  you  tell  him  Fd  been  over  to  the  bank  to  see 
him? 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  39 

V 

BARNETT.  (looking  at  GRAHAM)  Yes,  I  told 
him. 

BURNHAM.  (noticing  expression)  Mean  business 
sometimes  asking  favors  of  these  bankers  eh?  Mr. 
Graham? 

GRAHAM,  (crossing  R.  c.)  Yes,  it  is  unpleasant. 
(confidingly)  There's  a  note  of  mine  due  and  Fm 
not  able  to  take  care  of  it  or  pay  the  interest  just 
now — (pauses,  thinks  a  moment  and  then  adds  pleas 
antly)  But  Mr.  Lockwood  is  kind — very  kind. 
(BURNHAM  and  BARNETT  exchange  glances) 

BARNETT.  Fm  afraid  you're  a  little  too  sure,  Sam. 
When  there's  money  due  Lockwood,  he  wants  it. 

(There  is  a  moment's  pause,  loth  men  watch  GRA 
HAM  closely.) 

BURNHAM.  (changing  subject)  Barnett  tells  me 
you  are  quite  an  inventor,  Mr.  Graham. 

GRAHAM,  (smiles,  shakes  his  head  slowly)  Fve 
spent  most  of  my  life  at  it  but  nothing  has  turned  out 
well — (pause,  then  brighter)  Not  so  far  I  mean,  but 
I  may  hit  it  yet. 

BURNHAM.  That's  the  way  to  talk.  Never  grre 
up  I  say.  You  had  a  patent  on  a  thrashing  machine, 
didn't  you? 

GRAHAM.  Yes,  but  I  couldn't  get  anybody  to  take 
hold  of  it.  You  see  I  haven't  any  money  Mr.  Burn- 
ham. 

BURNHAM.  Well,  I'll  talk  to  you  about  it  some 
time. 

GRAHAM,     (eagerly)     You  will? 

BURNHAM.  Yes.  By  the  way  you  got  your  power 
from  gas,  is  that  right? 

GRAHAM.     Yes,  but  coal  will  do  just  as  well.    I 
got  a  patent  on  a  burner  that  makes  gas  from  crude 
oil.    I  thought  it  would  be  cheaper.    I  could  get  up 
steam  mighty  quick  with  that  gas  arrangement, 
use  it  for  lighting  here  now. 


40  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER 

BUKNHAM.  (now  showing  much  interest)  Well,  I 
declare ! 

BARNETT.  (rising  L.)  Say  Mr.  Burnham,  don't 
you  think  you  could  help  Sam  to 

BUKNHAM.  (rising  and  breaking  in  quickly.)  I 
think  I  could  eat  my  dinner.  Come  along,  let's  go 
over  to  the  hotel. 

GKAHAM.  Yes  Roland,  don't  starve  your  friend. 
I'm  glad  you  looked  in,  sir. 

BURNHAM.     Thank  you. 

GKAHAM.    You'll  call  again  I  hope. 

BAKNETT.     Say,  Mr.  Burnham,  if  you'll 

BURNHAM.  (motions  ROLAND  to  stop)  There  that 
will  do — (to  GRAHAM)  I  may  drop  in  if  I  have  time 
on  my  way  to  the  train  and  look  over  things. 

GRAHAM,  (c.)  I'd  be  glad  to  show  you  any 
thing  I've  got  here 

BURNHAM.  All  right,  good  day — I'll  see  you 
again,  perhaps. 

GRAHAM.    Good  day  sir.    Good  day  Roland. 

ROLAND.     Good-bye. 

(BURNHAM  and  BARNETT  exit  up  R.  outside  of  win- 
dow  slowly.) 

GRAHAM,  (stands  alone  in  thought  a  moment) 
Mr.  Lockwood  over  here — ah,  well,  he's  kind,  very- 
kind. 

(With  a  sigh  he  goes  to  table  up  R.  on  which  is  model 
and  begins  working.  BURNHAM  and  BARNETT 
stop  up  at  window  and  BARNETT  points  out  and 
is  talking  about  NAT  as  he  comes  along  read 
ing  a  look  and  then  BURNHAM  and  BARNETT 
pass  on.  NAT  looks  about  and  puts  book  under 
his  arm  and  looks  into  window  again  and  then 
comes  down  and  enters  door  E.  He  crosses  ta 
c.) 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  41 

GRAHAM,     (keeping  on  working)    Well! 

NAT.    (stops  and  turns)     Quite  well,  thank  you. 

GRAHAM,  (after  pause  without  looking  up  and  in 
very  pleasant  tone)  Anything  you  want? 

NAT.  Would  it  be  possible  for  me  to  speak  to  the 
proprietor  for  a  moment? 

GRAHAM,  (still  working  on  model)  I  should 
judge  it  would.  Go  right  along. 

NAT.    Might  I  ask,  are  you  Mr.  Graham? 

GRAHAM.     Yes  sir,  that's  me. 

NAT.  (looking  up  page  in  Act  7  note  book  and 
glancing  at  it)  I'm  looking  for  employment. 

GRAHAM.  Employment?  (drops  tools.  Looks  up 
then  rises  and  goes  to  NAT)  Well  I  declare.  You're 
the  stranger  the  whole  town  has  been  talking  about. 
I'm  real  glad  to  see  you. 

NAT.  (referring  to  note  book)  If  at  any  time  you 
should  have  an  opening  here  that  you  can  offer  me 
I  will  endeavor  to  give  satisfaction.  Good  day  sir. 
(crosses  to  door) 

GRAHAM.     (R.  c.)    Are  you  in  a  hurry? 

NAT.  (turns  at  door)  Oh  no  sir — only  I  mustn't 
press  it.  Just  ask  for  it  and  go — I  mean — I  don't 
want  to  take  up  your  time. 

GRAHAM.  Oh  well,  don't  let  that  worry  you.  If 
you're  really  looking  for  a  job,  I'd  like  to  give  you 
one  first  rate. 

NAT.  You'd — you'd  like  to — oh — (much  sur 
prised)  You  don't  mean  it. 

GRAHAM,     (nodding  and  smiling)     Yes. 

NAT.  (coming  toward  him)  You're  the  first  man 
I  ever  met  who's  felt  that  way  about  it. 

GRAHAM,  (c.  half  turns)  The  trouble  is  my  boy 
that  my  business  is  so  small  I  don't  need  any_  help. 
There  isn't  much  of  anything  to  do  here. 

NAT.    That's  just  the  sort  of  a  place  I'd  like. 

GRAHAM,     (looks  at  him)     Eh! 

NAT.  I  mean,  I'm  willing  to  take  anything,  no 
matter  how  little  there  is  to  do. 


42  THE  FOKTUNE  HUNTER. 

GRAHAM,     (smiling)    This  might  suit  you  then. 

NAT.    I  wish  you'd  let  me  try  it. 

GRAHAM.  To  tell  you  the  truth  sir,  I  can't  afford 
it.  When  your  pay  was  due  I'm  afraid  I  shouldn't 
have  any  for  you. 

NAT.     I  don't  mind  that  part. 

GRAHAM.    What's  that? 

NAT.  Mr.  Graham,  if  you'll  teach  me  the  drug 
business  I'll  work  for  you  for  nothing. 

GRAHAM.    What  do  you  mean  ? 

NAT.  (looks  about  a  bit — then  confidentially) 
Well  between  you  and  me,  I've  been  here  five  weeks 
with  nothing  to  do  but  look  at  a  book  and  it's  got  me 
crazy  enough  to  want  to  work. 

GRAHAM,  (thoughtfully)  Well,  I  swan!  I'd 
better  take  you  over  to  Sothern  and  Lee's.  They'd 
be  glad  to  get  you  at  the  price. 

NAT.    No  I've  been  there.    Why  not  here? 

GRAHAM.  I'm  afraid  you  wouldn't  learn  much.  I 
don't  do  business  enough  to  give  you  a  good  idea  of 
it  They  get  all  the  trade. 

NAT.  (sudden  energy)  Don't  you  think  if  I  came 
in  here  we  could  build  up  the  business  ? 

GRAHAM.    No,  I  don't  think  so. 

NAT.  (crossing  GRAHAM  to  L.)  No!  Of  course 
not — you're  right. 

GRAHAM.  I  haven't  got  capital  enough  to  get 
stocked  up,  that's  the  real  trouble  Folks  have  got 
into  the  habit  of  going  to  the  other  store  because  I'm 
out  of  so  many  things.  (NAT  looking  about  store — 
turning  to  GRAHAM.) 

NAT.  How  do  you  expect  to  do  business  unless  you 
have  things  to  sell? 

GRAHAM.  I  don't  expect  it  my  boy.  You  see  I'm 
working  on  an  invention  of  mine;  (half  turning 
and  pointing  to  gas  arrangement  R.)  and  if  that 
should  turn  out  right,  I'd  get  some  money  for  it  and 
stock  up. 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  43 

NAT.    How  much  business  do  you  do  here  now  ? 

GRAHAM.  Some  days  I  take  in  a  dollar  or  two  and 
some  days  nothing,  (pointing  to  fountain  L.)  I 
fixed  up  my  soda  fountain  last  week  and  Fm  getting 
a  little  out  of  that  but  I  need  some  more  syrups. 
(NAT  goes  to  fountain  and  looks  it  over)  Fve  only 
got  vanilla. 

NAT.  Soda  water — all  the  girls  around  here 
drink  soda,  don't  they? 

GRAHAM.     Oh  yes. 

NAT.  (coming  down)  Mr.  Graham,  I  wish  you'd 
let  me  come  in  here  for  a  time.  I  don't  care  about 
wages. 

GRAHAM.  Well  my  boy,  it  don't  seem  quite  right 
to  have  you  work  here  for  nothing — but  if  you  really 
want  to  do  it,  I'll  be  glad  to  have  you  and  if  times 
improve  I'll  be  glad  to  pay  you. 

NAT.  (enthusiastically.)  That's  fine'.  When  can 
I  start? 

GRAHAM.    Whenever  you  like. 

NAT.  (going  up  and  taking  off  gloves,  etc.)  I'd 
like  to  now.  Where  can  we  get  some  syrup?  (puts 
books  and  gloves  on  show  case) 

GRAHAM.    Unfortunately  I'll  have  to  buy  it. 

NAT.  (putting  hand  in  pocket  and  getting  out 
money)  How  much? 

GRAHAM,  (retiring  away  from  NAT  R.)  Oh  no, 
you  mustn't  do  that — I  couldn't  allow  it. 

NAT.  I'm  either  asleep  or  someone  is  refusing  to 
take  money  from  me.  (coming  down  to  GRAHAM 
R.  c.)  Oh,  that's  all  right,  I'll  draw  it  down  as 
soon  as  we  sell  some  soda.  Will  five  dollars  be 
enough  ? 

GRAHAM.    Oh  my  ye's,  but  it  isn't  right  for  me • 

NAT.  (pressing  the  $5.00  into  GRAHAM'S  hand) 
Nonsense,  how  can  we  build  up  trade  without  syrup? 

GRAHAM.    But 

NAT.  And  how  can  I  learn  the  business  without 
trade? 


44  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTEB. 

(Closing  GRAHAM'S   hand   over   the   money.     Goes 
up  R.  c.) 

GRAHAM,  (giving  up  argument  and  spreading 
out  bill  and  looking  at  it)  My  oh  my — I'll  have  to 
write  to  Elmira  for  it.  (putting  bill  in  vest  pocket) 

NAT.  (at  soda  counter  L.)  We'll  telegraph  for 
it. 

GRAHAM.  Telegraph?  That  would  kill  Lew 
Parker  I  guess. 

NAT.    Who's  he? 

GRAHAM.  Telegraph  operator  and  ticket  agent. 
No.  I'll  write  a  letter.  I  think  that  will  do. 

NAT.  (brightening  and  talking  rapidly)  All 
right  but  tell  them  to  send  it  at  once  and  send  it 
C.  0.  D.  We'll  have  to  clean  up  the  store  a  little. 
We'll  put  out  some  signs,  eh?  (coming  doim  L.  c.) 
We've  got  to  get  the  people  in  the  habit  of  coming 
here  somehow,  (turning  back  to  GRAHAM  looks  up 
at  shelves) 

GRAHAM,  (c.  Looking  at  NAT  admiringly)  You 
have  splendid  business  ability. 

NAT.     (turning  to  GRAHAM)     What? 

GRAHAM.     I  say  you  have  great  business  ability. 

NAT.     (smiling)     I'll  write  that  to  my  chum. 

GRAHAM.  Oh,  I  can  see  that  you  have.  Now — I — 
well,  I've  been  a  failure  in  business.  I've  been  a 
failure  in  everything  as  far  as  that  goes. 

NAT.  (after  looking  at  the  old  man  a  moment 
holds  out  his  hand)  Let's  shake  hands.  (GRAHAM 
looks  up)  For  luck. 

GRAHAM,  (shaking  hands  half  wonderingly)  My 
boy — you  are — it's  very  kind  of  you  to  buy  the  syrup 
— very  kind 

NAT.  (smiling)  That's  because  I've  got  great 
business  ability,  (turns  L.  then  back  to  GRAHAM) 
Have  you  got  a  broom  ?  Fll  clean  up  the  store  a  lit 
tle. 


THE  FOKTUNE  HUNTEK.  45 

GRAHAM.  The  broom's  in  the  cellar,  I  guess, 
but — your  clothes  would 

NAT.     Oh  that's  all  right.     Where  is  the  cellar? 

GRAHAM,     (surprised)     Underneath 

NAT.    Is  there  a  stairway? 

GRAHAM.  Oh  yes,  over  there  through  the  office. 
'(pointing  L.  NAT  goes  toward  office.  GRAHAM  stops 
him)  Here,  you'd  better  take  a  candle,  (goes  up 
to  get  candle.  TRACEY  enters  R.  NAT  goes  to  him 
c.) 

NAT.     (lowing)     What  can  I  do  for  you? 

TRACEY.     (R.  c.  stares  at  him  blankly)    Huh? 

NAT.     Is  there  anything  you  wish  to  purchase? 

TRACEY.     (still  staring,  motionless)     No  ma'am! 

NAT.  (bowing  solemnly)  Then  will  you  be  good 
enough  to  excuse  me?  (turns  and  GRAHAM  hands 
him  a  candle  and  after  bowing  to  GRAHAM  he  exits  L.  ) 

TRACEY.  (standing  and  watching  NAT  off.  To 
GRAHAM)  Is  he  workin'  here? 

GRAHAM.  He  intends  to.  (TRACEY  makes  a  rush 
for  the  door)  What  did  you  want,  Tracey? 

TRACEY.     (at  door)     I  fergit.     (Exits  quickly) 

(GRAHAM  looks  after  TRACEY,  then  around  at  door 
where  NAT  went  out,  then  shakes  his  head  and 
smiles.  Goes  to  bench  R.  and  sits  as  BETTY 
comes  in.  BETTY  enters  suddenly,  white  with 
anger  and  goes  up  and  hangs  her  hat  behind 
GRAHAM.  She  begins  the  scene  quietly  but 
shows  that  self  possession  is  causing  her  great 
effort.) 

GRAHAM.  Oh,  Betty,  Fve  got  a  piece  of  news  for 
you.  What  do  you  think  of  our  having — (seeing  her 
look)  why,  what's  the  matter? 

BETTY.    Father — can  you  get  me  some  money? 

GRAHAM.    Why  Betty — what  has 

BETTY.    Can  you  get  me  some  money? 


46  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

GRAHAM.    Well — er — how  much? 

BETTY.  Enough  to  buy  a  dress — a  nice  dress — a 
dress  that  will  surprise  folks. 

GEAHAM.  (rising)  Tell  me  what  the  matter  is, 
Betty.  Wanting  a  dress  would  never  upset  you  like 
this. 

BETTY,   (handing  GRAHAM  her  invitation)     Look 

at  that. 

GRAHAM,  (coming  down  and  reading)  Josie 
Lockwood's  party — she  sent  you  an  invitation.  Well, 
that  was  kind  of  her — very  kind. 

BETTY,  (coming  down  R.)  No  it  was  not  kind — 
it  was  mean — (goes  u.  R.)  It  was  mean. 

GRAHAM.     Oh,  Betty — now  don't  say  that. 

BETTY,  (coming  down  c.)  I  heard  the  girls  talk 
ing  in  the  post-office.  I  was  around  by  the  boxes 
where  they  didn't  see  me,  they  were  laughing  because 
I  was  invited.  They  said  the  reason  Josie  did  it  was 
because  she  knew  I  wouldn't  have  anythin'  to  wear 
and  she  wanted  to  find  out  what  excuse  I'd  make  for 
not  going. 

GRAHAM,  (soothingly,  going  to  her)  Oh,  Betty, 
Betty,  don't  you  mind  what  they  say. 

BETTY,  (talcing  invitation  from  GRAHAM,  moving 
L.)  Yes,  I  do  mind.  I  can't  help  mindin'.  I'm 
goin'  to  that  party  now  and  I'm  going  to  have  a  dress 
to  go  in  too. 

GRAHAM,  (sittina  R.  c.  uneasily)  Well,  we'll  see. 
I'll  try- 

BETTY.  (going  to  him  c.)  That  means  you  can't 
help  me? 

GRAHAM.     Oh,  no.    No  it  doesn't — I'll  do  what — 

BETTY.    Have  you  got  any  money  now? 

GRAHAM.     Well  no — not  at  present. 

BETTY.  And  you  can't  pay  Mr.  Lockwood  what 
you  owe  him  on  the  note,  can  you? 

GRAHAM.  No,  not  to-day,  but  he'll  give  me  a  little 
more  time.  He's  kind,  very  kind. 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  47 

BETTY.  Then  if  you  should  get  any  money  you'd 
have  to  give  it  to  him? 

GRAHAM,  (soothingly)  Well,  I  think  it  will  come 
out  all  right. 

BETTY,  (wildly,  going  L.)  Oh,  what's  the  use  of 
talkin'  that  way?  I  know  you  can't  do  anything 
for  me  and  so  do  you.  (with  savage  resentment, 
coming  lack  to  GKAHAM  c.)  I  can't  understand  it. 
(NAT  appears  in  door  L.  with  broom,  stops  unde 
cidedly)  Why  is  it  that  I  have  to  be  more  shabby, 
than  any  other  girl  in  town?  I  don't  mind  cookin' 
and  doin'  the  house  work  and  all  the  rest  but  why  is 
it  that  you  never  can  give  me  anythin'  at  all  ?  Why 
is  it  that  everyone  looks  down  on  us  and  laughs  at  us 
and  sneers  at  us?  (voice  trembling)  Why  is  it 
half  the  time  we  don't  have  enough  to  eat?  Other 
men  can  take  care  of  their  families  and  give  their 
children  things  to  wear.  You  have  only  us  two  to 
look  after  and  you  can't  even  do  that.  It  isn't  right 
and  if  I  were  you  I'd  be  ashamed  of  myself — (stops 
suddenly  full  of  rage  but  secretly  sorry  for  what  she 
has  said) 

GRAHAM,  (rises  slowly.  Looks  at  her  a  moment 
and  when  he  speaks  his  voice  trembled)^  Why, 
Betty — I — I — (brightens  with  an  effort.  Rises) 
Oh,  but  things  are  going  to  be  better  soon.  You 
must  have  a  little  more  patience,  (with  sudden 
thought)  Why  there  was  a  gentleman  here  this 
morning  from  New  York  City  talking  about  an  inven 
tion  of  mine. 

BETTY.  Invention!  Oh,  father!  Everybody 
knows  they're  no  good.  You've  been  wastin'  time  on 
them  ever  since  I  can  remember  and  you've  never 
sold  one  yet. 

GRAHAM.  But  this  gentleman  seemed  quite  inter 
ested.  He's  over  at  the  hotel  now.  (starting  R.) 
I'll  go  over  and  have  a  talk  with  him,  you  wait 
here — (turns  and  sees  NAT)  Oh,  this  gentleman  is 


43  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

going  to  be  with  us  in  the  store.    This  is  my  daughter 
Mr. 

NAT.  (bowing)  Duncan:  Xathaniel  Duncan. 
How  do  you  do  Miss  Graham  ? 

BETTY,  (in  great  astonishment,  forgetting  to  re- 
turn  bow)  Goin'  to  be  with  us?  (GRAHAM  goes  up 
stage  for  hat) 

NAT.     Why,  yes —     Your  father  has  been  kind 
jgh  to  take  me  in.    I'm  to  be  the  soda  clerk. 

GRAHAM,  (smiling  kindly)  You  wait  here,  Betty,, 
till  I  get  back,  (exits  R.) 

NAT.  (has  his  trousers  turned  up  at  the  'bottom 
lias  a  broom  and  dust-pan.  There  Is  a  long  pavze. 
BETTY  not  recovered  from  her  surprise  stares  at  him 
steadily,  NAT  smiles  sweetly)  I — Fm  going  to< 
sweep,  if  you  don't  mind.  You'll  excuse  me  won'fe 
you  ?  (sweeps) 

BETTY.    You  don't  really  intend  to  work  here? 

XAT.  (sweeping  up  stage)    That  is  my  intention — • 

BETTY,  (annoyed  at  his  tone,  thinks  he  is  making 
fun  of  her,  says  sharply)  Where  do  you  think  youn 
pay  will  come  from? 

NAT.  (solemnly,  sweeping  to  L.)     Heaven  perhaps. 

T>KTTY.  Huh!  You're  making  a  mistake.  Father 
can't  pay  you  anythin'. 

NAT.    He'll  pay  me  all  I'm  worth. 

BETTY.  Of  course  he  thinks  he  can.  But  he  can't. 
You  don't  know  him. 

NAT.  (stands  broom  against  counter,  coming  dov;n 
c.  to  BETTY)  I'm  afraid  it's  you  who  don't  know 
him — (suddenly  dropping  ministerial  air  and  tone 
and  speaking  naturally  and  sincerely,  crosses  to  her) 
I'm  going  to  give  you  a  little  advice,  Miss  Graham. 
Don't  speak  to  your  father  again  as  you  did  just  now. 

BETTY.  (R.  c.  Furiously)  What  business  is  it  of 
yours  ? 

NAT.  (L.  c.)  None,  but  just  the  same  I  wouldn't 
if  I  were  you. 


THE  FORTUNE  HUXTER.  49 

BETTY,  (vnth  savage  fury)  Well  you're  not  me, 
understand  that  ?  When  I  want  advice  from  you  I'll 
ask  for  it  and  until  I  do,  you  let  me  alone.  I  know 
why  you  talk  that  way. 

NAT.    Do  you? 

BETTY.  Yes,  I  do  you!  (she  hurls  the  follomng 
at  him  as  fast  as  she  can  speak)  You  go  to  church 
all  the  time  and  try  to  make  out  you're  too  religious 
for  anythin'  and  you  like  to  hear  yourself  giving 
Christian  advice  to  poor  miserable  sinners,  you  think 
it's  just  too  lovely  of  you,  that's  why  you  said  it  if  you 
want  to  know.  Folks  wonder  what  you're  doing  here. 
I  could  tell  them.  You're  here  to  show  off  your 
good  clothes  and  your  finger-nails  and  the  way  you 
part  your  hair  and  all  the  other  things  you  do  that 
nobody  in  Xew  York  would  pay  any  attention  to. 
( .v / ops  I walh lessly) 

XAT.    (thoughtfully   moving  L.)      A  pretty  good 
at  that,     (gets  broom  and  sweeps  again  at  L.) 

BETTY,  (surprised  at  his  answer  and  somevjhat 
mollified  in  spite  of  herself  c.  facing  front)  Oh,  yes, 
it's  easy  enough  to  give  advice  when  you've  got  plenty 
of  money  and  fine  clothes. 

NAT.  I  know  that.  But  the  only  reason  I  spoke 
was  because  I'm  strong  for  your  father — and  I  wanted 
to  do  you  a  good  turn  too. 

BETTY.    I  don't  want  any  of  your  good  turns. 

XAT.  Then  I  apologize — only  think  over  what  I 
said  sometime.  (sweeping) 

BETTY,  (almost  trying  to  excuse  herself)  I  had 
a  good  reason  for  saying  what  I  did  to  him. 

.".   (going  on  with  his  work)     I  know  you  had. 

BETTY,     (surprised.      Looking    ortr    shoulder    at 
)     You  know  I  had.    Well  how  do  you  know? 

XAT.  (coming  dov:n  to  L.  of  her — takes  broom  with 
him.  Lightly  leans  on  it)  Because  I've  been  up 
against  it  myself  for  five  years  and  I  know  how  it 
feels  to  see  other  people  getting  along  when  you're  not 


50  THE  FOBTTXE  HTXTER. 

getting  along;  to  know  they  have  things  you  don't 
hare.  -  :  out  of  the  way  for  days  and 

days  rainer  than  to  let  my  ul  friends  see  how 

shabby  I  looked.  Many  a  time  I've  run  across  the 
street  to  avoid  meeting  some  pal  who  I  knew  would 
invite  me  to  have  dinner  or  luncheon  or  a  drink — 
of  soda — or  something  for  fear  he  would  find  out 
that  I  couldn't  "treat"  in  return.  Many  a  time 
Fve  gone  hungry  and  slept  in  the  park  until  an 
old  friend  found  me  and  took  me  home  with  him. 
TTY.  (greatly  interested)  And  your  old  friend 
started  you  on  the  road  to  fortune? 

XAT.  He  said  so.  But  it's  your  father  I  want  to 
talk  about  Now  111  bet  he  knows  more  than  any 
other  man  in  this  town  and  besides  that  he's  a  fine, 
square,  good-hearted  old  gentleman,  anyone  can  see 
that— only  he  has  one  awful  fault,  he  doesn't  know 
haw  to  make  money  and  thaifs  mighty  tough  on  you; 
but  when  you  roast  him  for  it  you  only  make  hirn 
feel  as  miserable  as  a  yellow  dog  and  doesn't  help 
a  bit  He  can't  change  into  a  sharp  busi- 
crook  now,  he's  too  old  a  man.  Before  long 
•;.'-  •  -.::.  "::  -,~  i"  -.:.  "  -':.-_!_  :_-•'-  :'  :.^ 
be  sore  on  yourself — sure — if  you  keep  on 
throwing  it  into  him  as  you  did  just  now 

(BETTY  stands  looking  at  him.     SAT  turns  away. 
Begins  sweeping— up  stage.) 


.    (after   a   pause — looking    front)      I — I 
.:  si'i.'r.. 

for  you.    (sees  JOSTR  LOCTWOOD  and 
AXGIE  at  window)    8h — customers. 

BETTY,  (looking  out  window)  They've  come  to 
see  you.  Tracer's  told  them  you're  here.  (JosiH 
and  AXGIE  are  at  ike  door) 

-      The  tan  one's  old  LockwoocPs  dan^iter, 


THE  FORTUNE  EUXTER.  51 

BETTY,  (getting  her  hat  up  K.)  Yes,  she's  an 
heiress. 

XAT.  Then  she's  the  one,  .(goes  up  L.  turns 
down  trousers,  etc.) 

(Josre  and  AXGEB  enter.) 

AXGIE.     Oh,  here's  Betty  now. 

JOSIE.    (coming  in)     How  de  do,  Betty? 

BETTT.  (crossing  to  door  B.  speaking  to  loth  &** 
with  no  cordiality)  Hello. 

JOSIE.  Did  von  get  the  invitation?  (winking 
slyly  at  AXGIE  who  grin.s) 

TY.     (at    door    turning,    questioning)      The 
invitation  ? 

-IE.     "Why  I  sent  you  one.     To  the  party  you 
know. 

BETTY.    Did  you? 

JOSIE.  I  gave  it  to  Tracey  for  you.  Didn't  yon 
get  it? 

BETTY.  Oh.  perhaps  I  did.  (Exits  R.  leaving  ike 
girl*  staring  after  her) 

AXGIE.    Veil,  did  you  ever? 

XAT.  (coming  dmrn  referring  to  his  note  took 
and  replacing  it  in  his  poclfet)  May  I  have  the 
honor  of  waiting  upon  you  ladies?  (both  GIRLS  twm 
as  if  surprised  to  see  him) 

AXGIE.    Oh.  ha,  ha.  ha,  how  do.  ha,  ha. 

XAT.  (most  dignified  manner)  Good  afternoon. 
(loirs  to  each  separately.  They  vatch  him  irith 
admiring  surprise) 

Josi£    We  thought  we'd  like  some  soda,     ( I 
a  little  startled,  not  Ignoring  hotr  to  draw  soda) 

AXGIE.     Yes.  it's  so  warm — we 

XAT.     v  •  Tdinly.     (lool-s  around  an  instant 

<   up  behind  counter}     Will  you  step  this 

way.  please:'    (the  girls  lool'  at  each  other  and 

and  go  to  fountain) 


52  THE  FOKTUNE  HUNTEE. 

JOSIE.     (crossing  to  counter)    Thank  you. 

NAT.  (leaning  his  hands  on  counter)  What'll 
you  have — er — would — would  you  prefer  soda  or 
vanilla?  (girls  laugh  as  if  it  were  a  great  joke) 

JOSIE.     (L.)     Oh,  I  hate  vanilla. 

ANGIE.     (L.  c.)    I  do  too. 

NAT.  (remembering  that's  all  there  is)  Oh 
don't  say  that.  Of  course  there  is  vanilla  and  vanilla. 
Some  vanilla  I  know  is  detestable  but  when  you  get 
a  really  fine — er — imported  vanilla,  it  is  quite — 
er — particularly  at  this  season  of  the  year— 

JOSIE.    Oh,  is  it? 

NAT.  It  is  indeed,  no  doubt  of  it.  Especially  just 
now,  right  after  the  Bock  season — er — I  mean  when 
the  weather  is — is — in  a  way — vanilla  weather. 

ANGIE.    I  like  chocolate  best. 

JOSIE.     Well,  I'll  have  the  vanilla. 

NAT.  (gratefully)  Thank  you  very  much — (he 
looks  on  shelf  behind  and  finally  on  lower  shelf  finds 
whiskey  bottle  with  glass  on  top,  he  sets  the  glass 
down  and  smells  of  the  bottle  and  is  surprised  at 
smell  of  whiskey)  Oh 

JOSIE.    What  is  it? 

NAT.  I  believe  it's  whiskey.  (ANGIE  goes  up 
stage.  The  girls  look  at  each  other.  NAT  looks 
about  counter,  finding  several  empty  bottles  with 
metal  caps  on  the  necks.  All  the  bottles  are  empty 
except  the  one  which  contains  the  vanilla.  He  passes 
her  the  vanilla  bottle  and  the  whiskey  glass.  The 
girls  look  at  him  in  astonishment.  Pause)  You — 
er — wanted  vanilla,  did  you  not? 

JOSIE.     Yes  thanks,  vanilla,     (another  pause) 

NAT.     (indicating  the  bottle)     Well — that's  it. 

JOSIE.  (laughing)  I  don't  want  to  drink  it 
clear — you  mix  it  with  the  soda,  you  know? 

NAT.  Oh,  you  want  to  make  a  high-ball  of  it. 
(both  girls  laugh) 

ANGIE.   (going  to  soda  counter  and  explaining) 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER  53 

You  see  you  put  in  the  syrup  first  and  then  the 
soda. 

NAT.  Certainly,  (to  JOSIE)  If  you'll  be  kind 
enough  to  help  yourself  to  the  syrup. 

JOSIE.     (laughing)     Oh  no,  you  do  it. 

NAT.  Certainly,  (puts  syrup  in  whiskey  glass) 
Say  "when". 

JOSIE.    What.    Oh,  don't  put  in  any  more*. 

(NAT  puts  the  glass  under  the  tap  and  tries  to  work 
it  with  no  success.  The  girls,  getting  interested, 
come  nearer.  Suddenly  the  soda  spurts  out  with 
such  force  that  it  sprays  them  and  the  girls 
jump  back,  looking  themselves  over.) 

NAT.  (takes  out  hankerchief  and  tries  to  remove 
soda  off  his  clothes  and  face.  Apologetically)  Our 
soda  is  so  strong,  you  know,  (getting  apron  and  put 
ting  it  on  around  his  neck)  Now,  if  you  will  step 
over  there  out  of  danger,  I'll  try  again,  (the  girls 
go  R.  NAT  takes  a  large  glass  this  time  and  turns 
tap  carefully  and  the  soda  runs  into  the  glass  with 
out  any  force.  Looking  up  and  smiling)  I  think  it's 
safe  now,  I  seem  to  have  it  under  control. 

ANGIE.  (going  u.  L.  and  suddenly  changing  the 
subject)  We've  seen  you  at  church,  Mr.  Duncan. 

NAT.    Do  you  have  to  go  too? 

JOSIE  and  ANGIE.     What? 

NAT.  (drawing  another  glass  of  soda)  I  mean, 
do  you  attend  regularly? 

JOSIE.  (at  counter)  Oh,  yes.  (looks  at  NAT 
admiringly)  You  make  it  a  rule  to  go  every  Sun 
day,  don't  you,  Mr.  Duncan? 

NAT.    It's  one  of  the  rules,  but  I  didn't  make  it. 

JOSIE.  Won't  you  join  the  choir,  Mr.  Duncan?  I 
want  you  to  awfully. 

NAT.    Do  you?     (offering  them  the  sodas) 

JOSIE.  All  the  girls  want  him  to — don't  they, 
Angie? 


54  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

XAT.     Choir?     (takes  out  note  book  and  looks  at 

a) 

AVGIE.  Oh  yes  honestly — they're  all  just  dying 
to  meet  you.  (they  take  up  the  glass- 

XAT.    "Well.  I'll  have  to  write  and  ask  fir-- . 

(The  gir~  'he  soda  and  took  at  each   other 

peculiarly.     NAT  watches  them.     AXGIE  tastes 
soda  and  gives  sudden  ejaculation.) 

AXGIE.     Oh ! 

XAT.     I  sincerely  hope  if  s  not  so  very  bad. 

AXGIE.    Do  you  like  it  Josie? 

JOSIE.  (looks  around  and  sees  XAT  watching  her 
and  smiles)  Mine  is  perfectly  lovely  only  it  isn't 
very  sweet  ( JOSIE  sets  it  down  only  having  tasted 
it) 

!NAT.  I  made  them  dry,  you  know,  (ike  girls 
don't  understand.  Picking  up  JOSIE'S  glass  and  mov 
ing  toward  tap)  I'll  put  a  collar  on  for  you.  (she 
motions  him  not  to  put  any  more  in) 

JOSIE.     Oh  no,  thank  you. 

AXGIE.  (going  to  counter  and  setting  down  her, 
glasses)  Why  don't  you  try  a  glass,  Mr.  Duncan? 

XAT.    I'm  on  the  wagon. 

JOSIE.    What? 

XAT.  I  mean  I  don't  drink  at  all.  Ifs  one  of 
the  rules. 

AXGIE.  (moving  E.  toward  door)  Come  on,  Josie, 
we  must  go,  we've  been  here  ever  so  long.  ( JOSIE 
looks  at  her,  annoyed) 

XAT.    Oh,  don't  hurry  I  beg  of  you. 

JOSIE.  Oh;  we  haven't  hurried.  Remember  what 
I  said  about  the  choir,  won't  you? 

XAT.  (trying  to  assume  a  lover's  attitude)  I 
shall  never  forget  it. 

JOSIE.     (crossing  R.)     Good-bye. 

XAT.  (coming  down  toiuard  her)  Not  good-bye 
I  trust. 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTKK. 


J«8H     (turn*)      Oh.    I'll   Iv   in   airam.      Oh.    my 
land:  Fd  forgotten  all  about  paying  for  the  soda. 

AN^IE.     (laughing)     The  uloa  1 

N  v  r     Don't  speak  of  it  please. 

JOSIE.     Oh  yes,  indeed!     (opening  purse)     How 
much  is  it : 

;.     I  beg  pardon. 

ANCI::.    For  the  soda? 

XAT.    Oh!    Why — er— two  for  a  quarter. 

ia     (going  R  laughing)     Ain't  you  funny  ! 

JOSIE.  (handing  him  dime)  It's  ten  cents,  isnt 
it,  Mr.  Duncan? 

'(SPERRY,  a  drummer  enters  and  goes  R.  He  is  a 
quiet,  old-fashioned,  pleasant-voiced  man  about 
45.  VAT  crosses  below  the  girls  to  door  and 
holds  it  open  for  them.) 

NAT.  (when  JOSIE  hands  him  dime}  Thank  you 
verv  much,  (at  door  as  GIRLS  pass  out)  Good  after 
noon,  ladies.  You'll  call  again,  won't  you?  (ANGIE 
goes  out  first] 

JOSIE.  (following  AXGIE,  giggling)  Thank  you, 
I'm  sure.  (SPEREY  is  looHng  NAT  over) 

(After  GIRLS  exeunt  FAT  closes  the  door  and  loolcs 
at  money  juggling  it  a  bit  and  smiling.  SPERRY 
comes  down  to  R.  of  stove) 

SPERRY.     Old  Sam  about? 

XAT.  (near  door)  No  Mr.  Graham  isn't  here  at 
present. 

SPERRY.    Are  you  working  here? 

XAT.    Yes  sir. 

SPERRY.    Well,  I'll  be  hanged ! 

XAT.  (after  a  pause)  Is  there  anything  I  can  do 
for  you? 

SPERRY.     No— n— thank  you— just  the  same. 


56  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTEK. 

NAT.    We  have  some  fine,  fresh  drawn  vanilla. 

SPERRY.  No,  I  don't  buy  from  drug  stores.  I  sell 
to  them. 

NAT.    Oh! 

SPERRY.  (hands  NAT  card)  My  card!  (sits  K. 
of  stove) 

NAT.    Mr.  Sperry? 

SPERRY.  Yes,  I  don't  make  this  town  very  often. 
Sothern  and  Lee  are  the  only  people  I  sell  to  here 
but  I  never  miss  a  chance  to  chin  awhile  with  old 
Sam  and  I  had  about  ten  minutes  before  train  time. 

NAT.  Mr.  Graham  doesn't  buy  of  you,  then? 
{(goes  L.  to  counter) 

SPERRY.     Don't  buy  of  anybody,  does  he? 

NAT.    I  don't  know  I've  just  come  here. 

SPERRY.  Oh  well,  Sam's  a  nice  old  duffer  but  he 
ain't  got  no  business  sense.  Everything's  run  down 
here.  You  can  see  for  yourself  and  Sothern  and  Lee 
have  got  all  the  trade. 

NAT.  (suddenly  interested)  Don't  you  think  Mr. 
Graham  could  get  some  of  the  trade  if  he  was  stocked 
up? 

SPERRY.    He'd  get  the  biggest  part  of  it. 

NAT.    Do  you  think  so?     (comes  over  c.) 

SPERRY.  Yes,  I'm  sure  of  it.  (nodding)  Every 
body  likes  Sam  you  know.  I  talked  to  our  people  a 
little  while  ago  about  giving  some  more  credit. 

NAT.    Yes. 

SPERRY.  But  they  wouldn't  do  a  thing.  You  see 
he  owes  them  a  bill  now  that's  so  old  it's  got  whiskers 
on  it. 

NAT.  (L.  thoughtfully  then  turns)  How  much 
is  this  old  bill? 

SPERRY.  (taking  out  note-look)  About  fifty  dol 
lars,  I  think. 

NAT.  (gets  box  from  L.  of  stove  and  sits  L.  of 
SPERRY)  Suppose  you  told  your  firm  that  there's 
a  young  fellow  here  who'd  like  to  give  this  store  a 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNGER.  57 

boom.    Say  he  wants  a  little  credit  because — because 
Mr.  Graham  wouldn't  allow  him  to  put  up  any  cash — 
SPERRY.    No,  I'm  afraid  they  wouldn't. 

NAT.  (breaking  in  suddenly)  How  much  is  this 
bill  with  the  whiskers? 

SPERRY.  (referring  to  invoice  in  book)  Forty- 
seven  dollars  and  thirty  cents. 

NAT.    Now  suppose  I  pay  that 

SPERRY.  (surprised)  Pay  it?  Do  you  really 
mean  it? 

NAT.  Certainly  I  mean  it.  (pulling  out  roll  of 
bills  and  handling  it  so  SPERRY  sees  several  one  hun 
dred  dollar  bills) 

SPERRY.  (seeing  money)  Quite  a  roll  you're 
carrying. 

NAT.  No,  only  a  trifle,  a  mere  trifle.  I  don't  take 
much  cash  around  with  me.  Haven't  for  five  years. 
\(pulls  a  $50  bill  from  roll  and  holds  it)  What  do 
you  think  they'd  say 

SPERRY.  I  guess  you  could  have  what  you  wanted 
in  moderation.  Can  I  gi^e  them  your  name? 

NAT.    Duncan.    Nathaniel  Duncan. 

SPERRY.    Any  business  connections? 

NAT.     None  that  I  care  to  speak  about. 

SPEERY.     Anyone  you  can  refer  them  to? 

NAT.  (after  some  thought)  Do  you  know  L.  J. 
Bartlett  &  Co. 

SPERRY.  The  brokers?  (NAT  nods  " yes")  Do 
I  know  J.  P.  Morgan? 

NAT.  Well,  let  them  inquire  of  Kellogg  the  junior 
partner?  He  knows  me. 

SPERRY.  (rising)  Kellogg!  That's  enough,  if  he 
says  you're  all  right,  you  can  have  anything  you 
want? 

NAT.  (rising,  hands  SPERRY  $50  bill)  Here  s 
fifty— (tarns  away  and  picks  up  box)  That's  funny 
I  couldn't  do  that  for  myself.  (NAT  puts  box  L.  of 
stove  again) 


58  THE  FOKTUNE  HUNTER. 

SPERRY.  (putting  $50  in  pocket — taking  out  small 
bills  and  change  and  counting  it)  No,  I  suppose 
such  a  small  matter  wouldn't  interest  you? 

NAT.     No,  I  suppose  not. 

SPERRY.  (handing  NAT  change)'  Two-seventy. 
(NAT  puts  change  in  his  pocket)  Now,  let  me  see, 
what  do  you  want  here? 

NAT.  What?  (SPERRY  nod s  toward  shelves.  NAT 
goes  L.  thinking)  Oh,  well,  I  want  a  lot  of  pills — and 
— (seeing  SPERRY  smile  at  him) — every  thing  for  a 
regular  drug  store.  Everything  Sothevn  &  Lee  carry 
and  some  things  they  don't,  only  all  in  small  lots 
until  I  see  what  we  sell. 

SPERRY.    If  you'll  leave  it  to  me. 

NAT.  (laughing)  That's  a  funny  thing.  That's 
just  what  I'm  going  to  do.  You  know  what  we  need: 
here  as  well  as  I  do,  don't  you? 

SPERRY.  Oh  yes,  indeed.  I'll  get  up  a  list  of  al 
the  things  you'll  want  and  have  the  goods  shippec 
here  to-morrow. 

NAT.    Splendid ! 

SPERRY.  Well,  I  must  be  getting  down  to  the 
depot,  (goes  to  door  and  meets  GRAHAM,  who  is 
just  coming  in)  Why,  hello,  Sam,  glad  to  see  you 
(shaking  hands) 

GRAHAM.  Hello  Sperry,  how  de  do?  I'm  glad 
to  see  you  too.  This  gentleman  is  Mr.  Duncan. 

SPERRY.    Yes,  we've  been  talking. 

GRAHAM.    Oh ! 

NAT.  Mr.  Sperry  is  going  to  stock  us  up  here  ii 
you're  willing.  (GRAHAM  looks  at  him  in  great  as 
tonishment)  Are  you? 

GRAHAM,  (looks  from  one  to  the  other)  Bui 
Sperry  knows  I'm  not  able  to — 

SPERRY.  That's  all  right,  Sam.  Mr.  Duncan  has 
made  me  realize  that  if  you've  got  the  goods  here  you 
can  sell  'em. 

NAT.  So  he'll  put  in  what  we  need  and  we'll  pay 
for  them  as  fast  as  we  can. 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  59 

(GRAHAM  with  great  feeling  looking  from  one  to  the 
other,  too  overcome  to  say  anything.) 

SPERRY.  I'll  get  the  goods  right  away,  Sam,  and 
I'll  be  around  again  next  month—  Good  day,  Mr. 
Duncan.  So  long,  Sam.  (shaking  hands  heartily) 
Congratulations,  again,  (aside  to  GRAHAM)  That's 
a  smart  young  man  you  got  there,  (nodding  know 
ingly  toward  NAT.  Exits) 

GRAHAM,  (turning  to  NAT)  I  don't  know  what  to 
say  to  you,  my  boy,  I  don't  know  what  to  say. 

NAT.  (turns)     Oh,  it's  nothing,  sir. 

GRAHAM.    But  how  did  you 

NAT.  Oh,  I  just  gave  that  drummer  a, little  talk 
and  he  agreed  to  it. 

GRAHAM.     You're  a  wonderful  business  man • 

NAT.  I'll  begin  to  believe  that  if  you  keep  on  say 
ing  it.  What  shall  I  do  with  this  ten  cents  ? 

GRAHAM.    What? 

NAT.     I  sold  some  soda 

GRAHAM.    Well,  I  declare  ! 

NAT.    Where's  the  cash  drawer? 

GRAHAM.     Over  there,  behind  the  counter. 

NAT.  (goes  up  behind  counter,  and  holds  coin  over 
drawer)  Now  listen !  (drops  coin  and  as  it  jingles 
into  drawer,  both  laugh,  lookng  over  the  shelves)  I 
wish  we  could  get  some  paint — these — shelves 

GRAHAM.  Oh,  that's  easy  enough — I've  got  some 
over  at  the  house —  That  gentleman  from  New  York 
is  coming  over  right  after  dinner.  I  wonder  if  Betty 
— went  home! 

NAT.    I  think  so. 

GRAHAM.  I'd  like  to  tell  her  of  this  good  fortune. 
Poor  little  girl;  she  felt  pretty  bad  to-day  because 
she  didn't  have  a  dress  for  Josie  Lockwood's  party. 

NAT.  (putting  hand  in  pocket.  Stops  and  hastily 
withdraws  it  again  as  if  he  had  burned  his  fingers, 
then  as  if  speaking  to  his  finger)  Keep  away  from 


60  THE  FORTUNE  HUXTER. 

there,     (gots  *p  L.     Door  opens  quickly  and  PET» 
WIL  -    EKIFF,  eaters  noisily,  goes  JL  c.) 

PETE.    >       S  «,  see  here  a  min 

(XAT  is  up  L.  cleaning  up.) 


VTTAV    (coflMMf  <W*  K.)     Hello,  Sheriff,  howl 
de  do?    Have  a  chair! 

PETR    I'm  sorry  about  this,  Sam,  bat  there  ain*t( 
no  u*«  wastin'  words  abo^  here  on  business^ 

Yon  know  you  had  a  note  due  at  the  bank  josterdayJ 
dontyou? 

M.    Yea,  but  - 


Well,  if  s  protested  and  I'm  here  to 

IAM.    Wn£~Pete?    (fey*B«0     Oh, 

•    >;::-.-.    ::..'?:.^-..  >.:i-«7--v.     I".".  J.    :--f: 
g  Mr.  Lockwood.     He'll  arrange  it  for  me, 
re.     (stort*  mp  togetlrt) 
PETK     Xo.  Mr.  Lodnrood  danH  want  to  aee 

jtm  can  settle, 

for 
a 


down  with  id)     Mr. 

:        "••--..---          i..; 


PET*    TTurfs  just  what  he  said  and  I  got 
tram  him  goon's  I  got  judgment  to  dose  yon  up. 

-,,..-•:      .-.:-  -..--.  -  -  • .-:-. .:;;-:-••?;;-;. 

7:—:     :.-:.       -:        :     :  ::,.    -: . :-.  : 

Now,  there  aint  no  oaewhin-j 

- 


(L.  c.  to  PRTT 

thai  Mr.  Graham  "is 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  61 

PETE,  (veryjloudly)    What! 

NAT.     He  said  "what."    Did  you  hear  it? 

PETE,  (very  loud)  What  have  you  got  to  do 
with  it? 

NAT.  I'll  show  you  what  I've  got  to  do  with  it  if 
you  tell  me  the  amount  of  that  note. 

PETE,  (after  a  pause  and  in  lower  key)  With 
interest  and  costs  it  figgers  up  three  hundred  and 
ninety  dollars  and  eighty-two  cents. 

NAT.  (staring  in  horror)  Three  hundred  and 
ninety  dollars? 

PETE,  (loud  again)  Yes,  three  hundred  and 
ninety — dollars  and  say — you  look  ahere 

NAT.  (turning)  Here,  listen,  if  there  is  anything 
else  you've  got  to  tell  me  go  out  in  the  middle 
of  the  street  and  tell  me  from  there,  (puts  his  hand 
in  his  pocket  and  pulls  out  roll  of  bills  so  that  the 
audience  sees  it,  but  not  PETE  and  GRAHAM.  He 
goes  up  to  cash  drawer  and  opens  it)  Three'hundred 
and  ninety — (he  apparently  gets  the  roll  out  of 
drawer.  PETE  is  about  to  speak  but  seeing  bills  stops 
in  great  surprise.  GRAHAM  is  dumbfounded  at  the 
sight.  NAT  comes  down  counting  off  one  hundreds) 
One,  two,  three,  four.  (PETE  backs  up  a  bit  with 
astonishment.  Taking  off  his  hat)  Four  hundred, 
Mr.  Sheriff.  Will  you  kindly  give  me  that  note  and 
the  change  and  then  place  yourself  on  the  other  side 
of  that  door? 

PETE,  (awed  tone)     I  ain't  got  the  note  with  me. 

NAT.  Perhaps  you'd  better  go  over  to  the  bank 
and  get  it. 

PETE,  (going  R.  to  door)  All  right,  I'll  go  and  get 
it.  Can  I  have  the  money? 

NAT.  (coming  toward  him  and  holding  out  money 
and  as  he  is  about  to  take  it)  Wait  a  minute — are 
you  a  regular  Sheriff?  (PETE  shows  his  badge) 

NAT.  (looks  at  it)  It's  beautiful.  (gives  him 
the  bills  and  PETE  looks  at  the  bills  and  at  NAT  and 
then  starts  to  door  R.) 


62  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

PETE,  (as  he  gets  new  door,  looks  at  money  again. 
Exit  slamming  the  door)  Well  I'll  be  dommet! 

[(GRAHAM  watches  NAT  a  moment,  has  been  too  dazed 
to  interfere  while  PETE  was  there.) 

GRAHAM,  (coming  down  L.)  Why,  I  can't  allow 
you  to  do  this,  my  boy 

NAT.  (cheerily)  Don't  feel  that  way  about  it. 
It's  done. 

GRAHAM.     I'll  turn  the  store  over  to  you  if 

NAT.  (alarmed)  Oh,  Lord  no — please?  don't  do 
that — (going  to  GRAHAM  R.) 

GRAHAM.  Then  I  can't  accept  your  great  kindness, 
my  b°y>  unless  you  think  a  partnership  would 

NAT.  That's  the  way  to  do  it,  a  partnership. 
(as  GRAHAM  is  about  to  speak  again}  Now  don't 
say  any  more  about  it.  Now  you  said.you  had  some 
paint.  These  shelves 

GRAHAM.  Yes,  at  the  house.  I'll  get  it.  (almost 
breaking  down)  If — if —  Fate — or — something 
hadn't  brought  you  here  to-day  I  don't  know  what 
would  have  happened  to  Betty  and  me.  Perhaps  to  a 
gentleman  of  your  wealth,  four  hundred  dollars  don't 
mean  much 

NAT.  (smiling)     No,  nothing. 

GRAHAM.  To  me  it's  meant  everything.  I  only 
hope  I  can  repay  you  some  day.  God  bless  you,  my 
boy,  God  bless  you.  (goes  out  R.) 

NAT.  (watches  GRAHAM  go  out  and  then  counts 
over  the  few  dollars  he  has  left,  sadly ,  and  returns 
them  to  his  pocket)  Harry  said  I  couldn't  get  rid 
of  that  stake  in  a  year.  He  doesn't  know  what  a  fast 
town  this  is.  (he  starts  up  as  LOCKWOOD  comes  down 
past  window.  He  sees  LOCKWOOD)  Father-in-law — 
I  must  be  a  business  man.  (goes  up  L.  bus.  of  mix 
ing  bottles  and  boxes) 

LOCKWOOD.  (enters  and  goes  L.  c.  sees  NAT.  Very 
'genial  manner)  You're  Mr.  Duncan,  ain't  you? 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  63 

NAT.  (turns)  Yes,  sir.  (LOCKWOOD  looks  at  Urn 
{familiarly.  Doming  down)  Oh,  Mr.  Lockwood  I 
I)  believe? 

LOCKWOOD.  (shaking  hands)  Yes.  I'm  glad  to 
I  meet  you. 

NAT.     Thank  you,  sir. 

LOCKWOOD.  Pete  Willin'  was  tellin'  me  you'd  just 
Jtook  up  this  note  of  Graham's. 

NAT.    Yes,  sir. 

LOCKWOOD.    Well,  here's  some  change  that's  com 
ing  to  you  and  if  you'll  have  Sam  step  over  to  the 
(Bank  they'll  give  him  the  note. 

NAT.  (taking  out  money)     Thank  you,  sir. 

LOCKWOOD.  I'm  glad  you're  comln'  in  here  with 
(Sam. 

NAT.  (ministerial  manner)  It's  only  temporary. 
I  am  devoting  much  of  my  time  to  my  studies  but  I 
peel  that  I  should  be  earning  something  too. 

LOCKWOOD.  That's  right — you  always  go  to  church, 
don't  you? 

NAT.    No,  sir,  only  Sundays. 

LOCKWOOD.    That's  what  I  mean.    Do  you  drink? 

NAT.  (working  upper  counter)  Oh,  no,  sir.  Don't 
drink,  smoke  or  swear  and  on  Sundays  I  go  to 
church.  Dress  quietly  but  neatly — don't  accept 
[invitations  to — (turning  to  LOCKWOOD) 

LOCKWOOD.  I'm  mighty  glad  to  hear  it.  I'm  at 
the  head  of  the  temperance  movement  here  and  I 
hope  you'll  join  us —  Set  an  example  to  our  fast 
young  men. 

NAT.  (sweeping  up  R.)  Yes,  I'm  sure'  I  can  set 
an  example  to  them. 

LOCKWOOD.  (looks  about  for  some  little  way  to 
show  his  friendship)  Warm  to-day,  (takes  off  hat 
and  fans  himself) 

NAT.    Yes,  sir,  very. 

LOCKWOOD.     I  believe  I'll  have  a  glass  of  soda. 

NAT.   Yes,  sir,  certainly.    ( goes  behind  counter  L.) 


64  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTEB. 

LOCKWOOD.  (at  counter  L.)  I  suppose  you'll  fix 
this  place  up  some,  eh  ? 

NAT.  Oh,  yes — we'll  try  to  have  the  best  drug 
store  in  the  State,  would  you  like  vanilla? 

LOCKWOOD.  (at  the  counter)  No,  just  soda,  (for 
the  first  time  NAT  sees  wink  from  LOCKWOOD'S 
affected  eye) 

NAT.  (looks  at  him,  unable  to  believe  his  eyes) 
beg  pardon? 

LOCKWOOD.  (winking  again)     I  say,  just  plain — • 

soda. 

NAT.     On  the  level? 

LOCKWOOD.     What?     (winks  again) 

NAT.  I  understand,  (gets  whiskey  bottle,  turns 
out  drink  and  fills  it  with  soda) 

LOCKWOOD.  (takes  a  couple  of  swallows  and  smacks 
his  lips,  then  drinks  it  all)  How  can  anyone  want 
intoxicating  liquors  when  they  can  get  such  a  bracin' 
drink  as  this?  (NAT  turns  and  picks  up  bottle  and 
smells  of  it  to  make  sure  it's  whiskey) 

NAT.  I  pass.  (LOCKWOOD  putting  a  nickel  on 
counter  for  drink — goes  down  L.  c.  NAT  looks  at  it) 
Ten  cents  more,  please. 

LOCKWOOD.    What  for? 

NAT.    Plain  soda,    (winks) 

LOCKWOOD.  Not  much.  Oh,  I  guess  you're  jok 
ing,  (down  L.  c.  laughing)  Well,  good  luck  to 
you,  Mr.  Duncan.  Oh,  say,  you  must  come  and  see 
us  some  time. 

NAT.  Thank  you  very  much,  sir.  (coming  down)] 
I  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  your  daughter  in  here  a 
few  moments  ago.  She  is  a  charming  girl. 

LOCKWOOD.  (gratified)  I'm  real  glad  you  think 
so.  She's  taken  a  great  shine  to  you,  too;  seeing 
you  at  church.  Come  around  and  get  acquainted. 
You're  the  sort  of  a  young  feller  I'd  like  to  have  her 
know,  (looking  NAT  over)  Good  day!  (crosses  K. 
toward  door,  winks) 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  65 

NAT.     Good  day  and  thank  you  again. 

LOCKWOOD.  (stops  at  door  and  turning  to  NAT) 
Good-bye,  (winks  again) 

NAT.  (mistaking  the  wink)  That's  all  right.  I 
won't  say  anything  about  it.  (after  LOCKWOOD  has 
gone  NAT  counts  over  his  stake  again,  going  L.  Goes 
up  behind  counter.  Resuming  work  of  cleaning  up. 
GRAHAM  with  paint  and  brushes  enters  with  BURN- 
HAM) 

BURNHAM.  (as  he  is  coming  in)  Yes,  that's  my 
business.  Sometimes  I've  bought  odd  no-account 
things  that  have  made  me  a  lot  of  money  and  more 
times  they  never  amount  to  anything,  but  that  burner 
you  got  sort  of  struck  my  fancy. 

GRAHAM.    Oh,  the  gas  arrangement? 

BURNHAM.  Yes.  Such  a  curious  idea  I  kind  a 
took  to  it.  It's  patented  ain't  it? 

GRAHAM.    Yes,  sir. 

(NAT  listens.) 

BURNHAM.    Want  to  sell  the'  patent? 

GRAHAM.  Why  yes,  if  you  think  it  is  worth  any 
thing. 

BURNHAM.  (going  to  burner  R.)  Well,  it  might 
be  sometime  and  then  again  it  might  not.  I  was 
thinking  at  dinner,  I'd  like  to  own  that  burner  and  I 
made  out  a  little  bill  of  sale  and  says  I  to  myself: 
"  If  Graham  will  take  Five  hundred  dollars  for  that 
thing,"  says  I,  "  I'll  give  it  to  him,  spot  cash,  right  in 
his  hand."  Says  I.  (taking  paper  and  bills  out) 

GRAHAM.     (L.  c.)    Five  hundred  dollars! 

r(NAT  is  watching  them.) 

BURNHAM.  (R.  c.)  Yes,  five  hundred— cash 
(coming  down)  I  guess  you  don't  know  it  but  I 
heard  at  the  Bank  they  wasn't  going  to  extend  the 


66  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

time  on  that  note  of  yours  and  I  thought  this  five  hun 
dred  would  come  in  handy  and  I  wanted  to  help  you 
out. 

GRAHAM.  Well,  that  is  kind  of  you,  sir — every 
body's  being  good  to  me  to-day  or  else  I'm  dreaming. 

BURNHAM.    Then  it's  a  bargain  ? 

GRAHAM.  Well,  I  hope  you  won't  lose  anything 
by  it,  Mr.  Burnham.  (NAT  forms  the  word 
"  BURNHAM  "  with  his  lips  but  makes  no  sound, 
trying  to  remember  where  he  heard  the  name)  Mak 
ing  gas  from  crude  oil 

NAT.  (remembering  the  name,  etc.)  Gas  from — 
by  Jove! 

GRAHAM.     May  come  in  handy  in  some  places. 

(NAT  comes  down  to  L.) 

NAT.  Mr.  Graham,  is  this  patent  of  yours  for 
getting  gas  from  crude  oil? 

(BURNHAM  looks  up  frowning.) 

GRAHAM.    Why  yes,  a  burner  that 

NAT.     I  wouldn't  sell  it  just  yet,  if  I  were  you. 

BURNHAM.  (crossing  to  NAT,  angrily)  What  are 
you  butting  into  this  for? 

NAT.  Because  I'm  a  business  Man — if  you  don't 
believe  it,  ask  him.  (indicating  GRAHAM) 

GRAHAM.  He  has  a  perfect  right  to,  Mr.  Burn- 
ham. 

BURNHAM.  You  haven't  got  any  objections  to  him 
getting  this  money,  have  you  ? 

NAT.    No,  but  I  want  to  look  into  the  matter  first. 

^BURNHAM.    What  for? 

NAT.  Well,  I  have  an  idea  you  wouldn't  offer  five 
hundred  dollars  for  this  burner  unless  you  expected 
to  make  something  out  of  it  and  I  think  it  ought  to 
be  worth  as  much  to  Mr.  Graham  as  it  is  to  you. 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  67 

BURNHAM.  Aw,  you  don't  know  what  you're  talk 
ing  about. 

NAT.  I  know  that,  but  I  happen  to  know  you  are 
promoting  a  scheme  for  making  gas  from  crude  oil 
and  you  won't  get  this  burner  until  I  have  consulted 
my  friend,  Henry  Kellogg  about  it. 

BURNHAM.   (surprised)     Henry  Kellogg? 

NAT.    Yes,  of  L.  J.  Bartlett  &  Co. 

BURNHAM.  Oh,  well,  if  you're  representing 
Kellogg,  I've  got  nothing  to  say,  only  why  the  devil 
did  he  send  you  here  ? 

NAT.    I  am  ashamed  to  tell  you.    Better  ask  him. 

BURNHAM.  That's  what  I  will  do  the  mo'ment  I 
see  him  and  you  can  bet  on  that. 

NAT.    No,  I  can't,  I'm  not  allowed  to  gamble. 

BURNHAM.  (angry  and  disgusted)  Oh,  there's  no 
use  talking  to  you—  (crossing  R.)  But  I'lljsee  you 
again,  Mr.  Graham,  (stopping  in  door,  to  GRAHAM) 
You  take  my  tip  and  don't  do  any  business  with  that 
fellow  until  you  find  out  who  he  is.  (exit  around 
window) 

NAT.  (GRAHAM  stands  and  watches  BURNHAM 
out)  All  that  may  have  sounded  queer  to  you,  sir, 
but  I'm  not  here  to  beat  you  out  of  your  invention. 

GRAHAM,  (sincerely,  coming  to  NAT)  There's 
nothing  on  earth  my  boy  that  could  make  me  think 
you  are 

NAT.    Thank  you 

GRAHAM.  But  five  hundred  dollars  would  have 
paid  you  for  taking  up  my  note— and  I  could  have 
bought  Betty  a  dress  for  the  party  but  I'm  sure  you 
have  done  what  is  best 

BETTY,  (entering  R.)  Mr.  Lockwood  wants  to  see 
you  over  at  the  bank,  father,  (begins  cleaning  up  by 
the  work  bench) 

NAT.    Oh,  yes,  he's  got  that  note  for  you. 

GRAHAM,  (getting  his  hat)  Oh,  yes,  that  note, 
I'll  go  right  over  there.  I  never  had  so  many  things 


68  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

happen  to  me  in  one  day  bfore  in  all  my  life,     (exit) 

NAT.  (watches  BETTY  ivorking  a  moment,  then 
counts  his  stake  again)  I  might  as  well  be  broke  as 
the  way  I  am.  Miss  Graham !  (she  comes  down  to 
him  R.)  Could  you  get  a  party  dress  for  thirty-two 
dollars  ? 

BETTY,  (surprised)     Thirty-two  dollars. 

NAT.    And  eighty  cents. 

BETTY.     Heavens  I  should  think  so. 

NAT.  Then  go  ahead.  (BETTY  looks  at  him)  I'll 
stake  you — (offers  her  money) 

BETTY.     Oh,  no. 

NAT.    Please  do  as  a  favor  to  me. 

BETTY.    Oh,  I  couldn't  take  it. 

NAT.    Yes,  you  can. 

BETTY.  No,  I  can't.  Thank  you  ever  so  much 
just  the  same. 

NAT.    But  I  want  you  to  go  to  that  party. 

BETTY.  You're  awful  kind — but  I  don't  care  to  go 
now. 

NAT.  Don't  care  to?  You  insisted  upon  it  a 
little  while  ago. 

BETTY.  Yes,  I  know;  but  I've  been  thinking  over 
what  you  said  to  me  since  then  and  I  know  I'd  be 
out  of  place  there — I  belong  here  with  father,  work 
ing  in  the  store,  (goes  over  to  counter  L.  starting  to 
work)  and  I  guess  folks  is  better  off  if  they  stay 
where  they  belong 

(She  glances  at  NAT,  then  returns  to  her  work.  She 
takes  cloth  and  wipes  counter.  NAT  stands  R.  c. 
watching  her  intently.  TRACEY  appears  behind 
window  coming  from  u.  c.  He  beckons  off  L. 
and  FOUR  girls  appear  from  c.  one  after  the" 
other  and  look  at  NAT  through  the  window  as 
TRACEY  points  him  out  to  them.  At  the  same 
time  FOUR  girls  appear  behind  window  u.  R. 
from  down  R.  JOSIE,  ANGIE  and  ROLAND  also 
appear  at  window  R.  c,  and  Hi  and  WATT! 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  69 

appear  at  window  up  R.  and  look  at  NAT.  Dur 
ing  the  time  these  people  appear  NAT  has  been 
watching  BETTY  but  now  turns  up  stage,  sees 
crowd  watching  him,  stops  a  moment  in  amaze 
ment,  then  grabs  the  broom  which  is  at  work 
bench  R.  and  begins  sweeping  furiously.) 

CURTAIN. 

(2nd  CURTAIN.  TRACEY,  ANGIB,  JOSIE  and 
ROLAND  still  at  the  window.  Hi  and  WATTY  in 
the  doorway  R.  NAT  and  BETTY  behind  the 
counter.  BETTY  up  stage  and  NAT  down  stage. 
The  8  girls  swarming  about  the  soda  fountain, 
giggling  and  vainly  asking  for  soda.  NAT  try 
ing  to  wait  on  them  all  at  once,  BETTY  trying  to 
help  him.) 

(3rd  CURTAIN.  Principals  in  a  line  down 
stage.  NAT  in  the  c.  BETTY  at  his  R.  GRAHAM 
on  his  L.  The  eight  girls  up  c.  forming  a  second 
line.) 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 


3 
6 


2?HE  FORTUNE  HUNTEK. 


ACT  III. 

Same  as  ACT^  2— A  month  later.  Tile  floor 
ing.  Up  R.  is  a  large  bay  window  with  two 
chandeliers — three  electric  lights  on  each.  In 
the  window  are  large  signs  advertising  different 
candies  and  medicines,  etc.  A  large  red  and 
blue  bottle  (usually  used  in  drug  store  windows). 
Also  a  red  and  blue  stand  light  (electric)  used 
to  heighten  the  color  of  the  bottles.  Down  R. 
is  a  double  door  leading  into  street,  with  brass 
handles.  Up  R.  is  Tabard  Inn  Library  book  case 
filled  with  books.  The  whole  of  the  back  wall 
is  used  for  shelves  filled  with  bottles  of  the  usual 
prescription  medicines  and  also  various  patent 
medicines  and  tooth  powder,  talcum  powder, 
etc.  A  ladder  against  these  shelves,  one  prac 
tical  half  filled  bottle  on  shelf  in  reaching 
distance  of  ladder.  Up  L.  is  door  leading 
into  prescription  room.  L.  is  large  and  beauti 
ful  soda  fountain  and  counter,  a  couple  of  electric 
stand  lights  on  top  of  fountain  and  cards 
all  around  fountain  advertising  the  different 
drinks,  etc.  On  counter  is  rack  filled  with  bot 
tles,  all  filled  with  different  flavors  and  sev 
eral  dishes  with  crushed  fruit  and  a  dish  ^of 
eggs.  Nice  holders  polished  brightly  and  high 
stools  all  around  counter.  A  counter  up  c.  with 
cigar  case  with  different  cigars  and  cigarettes, 
etc.  On  top  of  case,  a  lighter.  On  R.  of  this 
counter  is  a  display  of  various  Mdse.  in  the 
Center  of  counter  a  roll  stand  with  two  sizes  of 
wrapping  paper,  c.  and  just  below  the  counter 


73  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

1*5  a  little  desk  with  telephone  and  telephone 
books  and  chair.  Upper  end  of  soda  counter  is  a 
cash  register.  Several  electric  signs  on  center 
counter,  another  chair  R.  Center  L.  is  a  door 
with  office  painted  on  it  in  gold  letters.  2  large 
arc  lights  hanging  from  the  ceilings.  Through 
window  is  seen  same  backing^  as  Act  II.  Moon 
light  effect  outside — lights  in  windows  and  in 
street  lamps. 

AT  RISE : — BOY  is  going  over  a  lot  of  packages 
to  be  delivered.  TRACEY  is  at  the  telephone. 

(TRACEY  is  well  dressed  in  this  act.) 

TRACEY.  No,  mam.  Mr.  Duncan  won't  get  here 
till  after  Thursday  evenin'  meetin' — 'bout  twenty 
minutes.  Oh,  yes'm,  he's  allus  at  church  if  there's 
anythin'  goin'  on  there.  They're  comin'  right  over. 
Boy's  jest  startin'  with  'em.  Yes  'em — g-bye! 
(hangs  up  receiver.  To  Boy)  Got  'everything, 
Herman. 

HERMAN.     Yep ! 

TRACEY.  Take  these  packages  to  Miss  Lyman's 
first;  she's  been  telephonin'  fer  them.  When  you  git 
'em  all  delivered,  go  home  an'  go  to  bed.  You  want 
to  git  here  by  six  in  the  mornin'. 

HERMAN.  I'll  be  here  all  right,  all  right! 
G'night!  (exits  with  arm  full  of  packages) 

(TRACEY  put  a  few  things  on  the  counter,  straight. 
Goes  up  behind  soda  counter,  takes  off  his  white 
coat  and  puts  on  street  coat.) 

(ANGIE  enters  L.  comes  to  c.  TRACEY  sees  her.) 

TRACEY.  (brightenig)     Hello! 
ANGIE.  (c.)     Ready? 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  73 

TRACEY.    No,  Mr.  Graham  ain't  back  yet. 

ANGIE.   (turns  and  goes  R.)     Guess  I  won't  wait. 

TRACEY.  (disappointed)  Aw  why?  He'll  be  here 
pretty  quick. 

ANGIE.    Nat's  at  meetin'  ain't  he? 

TRACEY.    A  course! 

ANGIE.  Then,  he'll  come  up  by  here  takin'  Josie 
Lockwood  home. 

TRACEY.    What  if  he  will? 

ANGIE.  (goes  up)  I  don't  want  him  to  think  I'm 
chasing  after  you! 

TRACEY.  He  won't.  (hesitating)  'Cause — 
'cause  he  knows  all  about  us ! 

ANGIE.    Knows  all  about  us ! 

TRACEY.   (looking  away)     Yep! 

ANGIE.     How  ? 

TRACE,  (uneasily)     I  told  him! 

ANGIE.  (with  surprise  and  anger)  You  did? — 
Well,  I 

TRACEY.  Oh,  don't  get  mad,  Angie.  You  see 
when  he  first  came  here,  every  one  of  you  girls  was 
always  hangin'  around  after  him. 

ANGIE.    Why  Tracey  Tanner! 

TRACEY.  Oh,  yes,  you  wuz  too.  The  hull  crowd 
of  you,  an'  you  know  it !  An'  I  was  afraid  he  might 
git  stuck  on  you  too,  an'  so — I  asked  him  not  to. 

ANGIE.    Well  of  all  things ! 

TRACEY.  I  couldn't  help  it.  You  don't  know  how 
I  felt. 

ANGIE.    Did  you  tell  him  how  you  felt  ? 

TRACEY.  Yep !  I  didn't  'tend  to,  but  he  spoke  GO 
nice,  and  I  was  feelin'  so  strong  that  it  all  came  out 
'afore  I  thought. 

ANGIE.    What  did  you  say  to  him? 

TRACEY.  I  told  him  you  was  the  best  lookin'  girl 
in  town. 

ANGIE.  (simpering)    The  idea! 

TRACEY.    Well,  by  gosh,  you  are,  all  right !    And 


74  THE  FOKTUNE  HUNTEK. 

I  told  him  please  to  let  you  alone  and  pick  out  any 
one  o'  the  others. 

ANGLE.    What'd  he  say? 

TRACEY.  (with  a  sheepish  little  laugh)  He  said 
he  guessed  I  was  stuck  on  you. 

ANGLE.     He  did? 

TRACEY.  Well  not  them  words,  but  that's  what  it 
meant. 

ANGIE.    What  were  the  words? 

TRACEY.  He  said:  "It  strikes  me,  my  boy,  that 
you —  Oh — you  know." 

ANGIE.     No — what  ? 

TRACEY.  (front)     "  That  you — love  her." 

ANGIE.  (looking  at  TRACEY)     WTiat  did  you  say? 

TRACEY.  I  said  I  did,  but  I  didn't  stand  much 
chance,  'cause  you  was  so  swell  an'  I  worked  in  Pa's 
Livery  Stable  and  was  fat ! 

ANGIE.  Oh,  Tracey!  (laughs)  What  did  he  say 
to  that? 

TRACEY.  He  says,  "  Nonsense,  if  you  want  her  and 
will  follow  the  rules  I  give  you,  it's  a  cinch." 

ANGIE.  (turning  R.)  I  think  it  is  all  perfectly 
horrid ! 

TRACEY.  (goes  close  to  her)  Aw,  please  don't  be 
mad,  Angie.  You  see  he  was  right.  When  I  got 
dressed  up  like  he  told  me  and  started  goin'  to  your 
church  regular,  you  began  lettin'  me  come  to  see 
you  for  th'  first  time. 

(There  is  a  noise  at  the  door.    ANGIE  springs  away 

from  TRACEY.     SAM  GRAHAM  and  SPERRY,  the 

drummer,  enter  R.    They  have  met  at  the  door.) 

GRAHAM,   (as  they  enter)     Nat  got  a  note  from 

you  yesterday. 

SPERRY.  Yes,  I  wrote  him  I  was  coming.  Never 
stayed  over  night  here  before. 

GRAHAM.  Well,  have  a  chair.  (SPERRY  takes  the 
chair)  I'm  a  little  late,  I  guess,  Tracey. 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  75 

TRACEY.    (getting    hat)      Oh,    that's    all    right. 

(SPERRY  crosses  L.  looks  around.    ANGIE  crosses  R. 
toward  door.) 

GRAHAM,  (seeing  ANGIE)  Why,  'hello,  Angle. 
Gom'  to  see  that  Tracy  gets  home  safe? 

TRACEY  No,  she  was  passin'  and  I  got  her  to  wait 
for  me.  (crossing  R.)  We  both  go  the  same  way 
and  don't  neither  of  us  like  walkin'  alone 

GRAHAM  (smiling)  That's  right,  Tracey,  that's 
the  way  to  look  at  it. 

TRACEY.     G'night.  \  (svoken 

ANGIE.    Good-night,  Mr.  Graham,  f        together) 

GRAHAM,  (genially)  Good-night.  Better  take  a 
little  candy  with  you,  Tracey. 

TRACEY.  (at  door)  I  got  some.  (TRACEY  and 
ANGIE  exit  R.) 

SPERRY.  Will  Mr.  Duncan  get  around  again  to 
night  ? 

GRAHAM.  Oh,  yes.  This  is  prayer  meeting  night. 
It  s  the  only  night  he  lets  me  come  here.  He's  so 
afraid  I'll  do  too  much  work.  I  guess  it  disturbs  his 
sleep ! 

SPERRY.  (looking  around)  The  store  looks  dif- 
lerent  to  you,  don't  it,  Sam  ? 

GRAHAM.  The  whole  world  looks  different  to  me 
since  he  came.  There's  no  one  like  that  boy  on  this 
earth,  sir,  no  one ! 

SPERRY.  It  was  a  fine  thing  for  you  to  get  him. 
How  did  he  happen  to  come  her?  (sitting  L.) 

GRAHAM.    I  don't  know.    Lord  sent  him,  I  reckon. 

SPERRY.     Then  he's  never  told. 

GRAHAM.  No,  and  I've  never  asked  him.  He 
said  once  he  was  trying  a  new  method  for  getting 
rich,  (sitting  at  counter) 

SPERRY.  (laughing)  He  picked  out  a  curious 
town  to  try  it. 


76  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

GEAHAM.  (smiling)  That's  what  I  told  him,  but 
he  said  "  It's  the  best  kind  of  a  place  if  you  know 
the  system?"  (becomes  serious)  But  he's  wonder 
ful,  Sperry.  He  reduces  the  debt  here  every  month ; 
there  isn't  a  more  comfortable  house  in  town  than  the 
one  Nat  rented  and  fixed  up  for  us  and  he's  sent 
Betty  to  a  fine  school — 

SPERRY.     Sent  your  daughter  to  School? 

GRAHAM.  Yes,  she's  been  gone  six  months. 
Comes  home  for  her  first  vacation  to-morrow.  You 
know  Sperry — (rising)  I  feel  toward  Nat  as  I 
would  toward  a  son,  and  no  boy  could  be  more  devoted 
to  a  father  than  he  is  to  me. 

[(The  door  R.  opens  and  BETTY  enters.  She  is  dressed 
in  a  simple  but  very  smart  traveling  costume  and 
the  contrast  in  her  appearance  from  ACT  II 
must  be  startling.  She  is  pretty,  shapely,  and 
most  attractive.  Pier  manner  shows  her  school 
training. ) 

BETTY.    Father ! 

GRAHAM,  (crossing  to  BETTY)  Why,  Betty,  my 
little  girl!  (they  embrace)  We  expected  you  to 
morrow,  (takes  grip  -from  BETTY) 

BETTY.  I  found  I  could  get  here  on  the  evening 
train  and  I  just  couldn't  wait. 

GRAHAM.    This  is  Mr.  Sperry,  Betty. 

BETTY,  (crosses  L.)     How  de  do,  Mr.  Sperry. 

SPERRY.  (shading  her  hand)  How  de  do?  I 
guess  I  used  to  see  you  around  here,  didn't  I  ? 

BETTY.    Yes — when  I  was  the  head  clerk. 

SPERRY.  Well,  you've — er — grown — since  ithen. 
I  congratulate  you. 

BETTY,  (smiling  a  little)     Thank  you. 

SPERRY.  (getting  bag)  Well,  I'll  step  over  to  the 
Radville  House  and  get  a  room,  and  come  back  a 
little  later  and  see  Mr.  Duncan.  He'll  know  if 
there's  anything  you  want,  won't  he? 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  77 

GRAHAM.    Oh,  yes,  he  attends  to  all  that. 

SPERRY.  I'll  run  in  to  see  you  a  moment  in  the 
morning.  Good-night. 

GRAHAM.     Yes,  do.     Good-night. 

BETTY.     Good-night,  Mr.  Sperry. 

SPERRY.    Good-night,     (exits  R.) 

GRAHAM.  Well,  well,  well,  my  little  Betty !  My 
own  little  girl —  My  eyes  but  it's  nice  to  have  you 
home!  (holds  her  off  at  arm's  length — and  looks  at 
her)  Why  you  look  beautiful ! 

BETTY.     Oh !    Father ! 

GRAHAM.    You're  just  as  pretty  as  a  picture. 

BETTY,  (laughs)     Oh,  father! 

GRAHAM.  Yes,  siree — you  are!  I  can't  hardly 
believe  it — it's  a  wonderful  change — wonderful! 

BETTY,  (laughing)  Did  I  use  to  be  very  ugly 
before  ? 

GRAHAM.  Oh,  no,  no — but  all  this  fixing  up 
shows  you  off  so  well. 

BETTY.  Yes,  I  know — it  does  make  a  difference, 
doesn't  it?  Where's  Nat?  (looks  around  store) 

GRAHAM.     This  is  Thursday. 

BETTY.     Oh,  of  course,  prayer  meeting? 

GRAHAM,  (patting  her)  Now,  I  know  why  you 
were  so  set  on  getting  home  to-night.  I  wasn't  the 
magnet — it  was  Nat  you  wanted  to  see. 

BETTY.  No — nonsense —  I  wanted  to  see  you 
both. 

GRAHAM.     But,  you  want  to  see  Nat  very  much  ? 

BETTY.  Why,  everyone  wants  to  see  their  friends 
when  they've  been  away,  don't  they? 

GRAHAM.     Yes,  indeed!     That's  natural  enough. 

BETTY.  Certainly  it  is.  And  then  Nat  has  helped 
us  so! 

GRAHAM.  And  you  only  want  to  see  him  on  ac 
count  of  what  he's  done  for  us? 

BETTY.  No — no — not  only — that,  but  that's  one 
reason. 


78  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

GRAHAM.  And  the  other  reason  is  that  you  like 
him  a  little? 

BETTY,  (trying  to  take  it  from  a  friendship  point 
of  view)  I  like  him  more  than  a  little — I — I,  oh, 
father ! 

GRAHAM,  (taking  her  in  his  arms)  It's  all  right, 
Betty.  It's  all  right  You  can't  like  him — too  much ! 
He's  honest  and  true  and  the  more  you  care  for  him 
the  better  I  shall  be  pleased ! 

BETTY,  (suddenly)  Why — has — has — he  spoken 
to  you  about  me? 

GRAHAM.     He  speaks  of  you  nearly  every  day. 

BETTY.  Oh,  does  he  ?  But  I  mean — does  he  speak 
in  a — a — what  does  he  says  about  me? 

GRAHAM,  (smiling  happily)  Well,  perhaps  he'll 
tell  you  that  himself. 

(TRACEY  enters  R.  He  comes  in  scowling  but  as  he 
catches  sight  of  BETTY,  his  expression  changes 
to  one  of  open-eyed  wonder.) 

BETTY,  (holding  out  hand)  How  do  you  do, 
Tracey?  I'm  glad  to  see  you. 

TRACEY.     Gosh!     How'd  you  do  it? 

BETTY,   (with  a  little  laugh)     Do  what? 

TRACEY.  (embarrassed)  I  dunno,  but  you  look 
great!  (shakes  hands) 

BETTY.  Thank  you,  Tracey,  I'm  glad  you  think 
so. 

GRAHAM.  I  thought  you'd  quit  for  the  night, 
Tracey. 

TRACEY.  (his  troubles  coming  back  to  him. 
Crosses  to  counter  L.)  So  I  had!  But  Angie  just 
heard  Betty  was  here  and  made  me  come  down  to 
see  if  you  wanted  me  to  work  to-night. 

'GRAHAM.  Well,  that  was  thoughtful  now,  very 
thoughtful.  Have  you  had  supper,  Betty? 

BETTY,  (looking  around  store,  going  L.)  No,  but 
I'm  not  a  bit  hungry  really. 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  79 

GRAHAM.  Oh,  but  you  must  have  your  supper! 
Come  right  over  to  the  house  and  Miss  Carpenter'll 
get  you  something. 

BETTY  All  right,  if  you  say  so.  How  perfectly 
splendid  the  store  looks  Tracey,  doesn't  it? 

TRACEY.  (at  counter)  You  bet!  And  waif  11  you 
see  the  house  ! 

GRAHAM.  You'd  hardly  know  the  place,  since  Nat 
nxed  it  up.  I  declare  I  can't  realize  you're  here  ! 

^  BETTY.  (laughing.  GRAHAM  takes  up  lag)  *You 
will  in  time,  (coming  down) 

GRAHAM.  Well,  come  along.  If  you  don't  have 
supper  before  Nat  gets  home,  you  won't  eat  any  at 
all. 

BETTY,  '(going  to  door)     Tell  Mr.  Duncan  I'm 
gone.    Won't  you  Tracey? 
TRACEY.     Oh,  sure! 

(Enter  JOSIE  LOCKWOOD  and   ROLAND   BARNETT.) 


^  How  do  you  do,  Josie?  (  JOSIE  looks  at 
BETTY  in  astonishment)  Good  evening,  Mr. 
Barnett  ! 

ROLAND.    Why,  if  it  ain't  Betty  Graham  ! 

JOSIE.    How'd  do  ! 

ROLAND.     Well  school  ain't  done  you  any  harm! 

BETTY.  I  didn't  expect  it  would.  How  have  you 
been,  Josie? 

JOSIE.  Real  well,  thanks.  When  did  you  get 
back? 

BETTY.     I've  just  come  from  the  station. 

JOSIE.  (looking  about  the  store)  Did  you  come 
from  the  train  alone? 

BETTY,  (understands.  Crosses  to  door  R.)  Yes. 
Nat  didn't  know  I  was  coming. 

JOSIE.    Then  you  haven't  see  him  yet  ? 

BETTY.  Not  yet.  Perhaps  he's  at  the  house  now. 
Come  along,  father.  We'll  go  and  see.  Good-night, 
good-night,  Tracey. 


80  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

JOSIE.    G'night !  "1 

ROLAND.     G'nigh't!  >    (nearly  together) 

TRACEY.    So  long! 

GRAHAM.  Good-night!  (BETTY  and  GRAHAM 
exit) 

ROLAND.  A  pack  of  sweets,  Tracey.  What  do  you 
think  of  Betty  Graham  bein'  rigged  up  like  that? 

JOSIE.  (at  door  looking  after  BETTY)  She  looks 
out  of  place  in  it.  That's  the  trouble  of  dressing  up 
girls  that  aren't  used  to  it. 

ROLAND.  I  wonder  if  Nat  Duncan  will  believe 
that? 

JOSIE.  (much  annoyed)  It  will  probably  please 
him! 

ROLAND,  (turning)  Sure  it  will!  Because  he 
likes  her  pretty  well ! 

JOSIE.  (angrily)  It's  no  such  thing !  She  looked 
so  horrid  he  didn't  like  to  have  her  around  the 
store  and  so  he  sent  her  away  to  have  her  taught 
something. 

ROLAND,  (seeing  that  he  has  gone  too  far) 
Tracey,  we  want  some  soda,  (going  toward  counter) 

(The  door  of  the  Conversation  Parlor  opens  a  little 
and  NAT'S  head  shows  for  a  moment  in  the  door 
way,  then  goes  lack.) 

TRACEY.    What  flavor,  Josie? 

JOSIE.  Didn't  Mr.  Duncan  come  over  here  from 
meeting?  (ROLAND  glances  angrily  at  her,  crossing 
at  c.) 

TRACEY.    Nope ! 

(NAT'S  head  disappears  and  door  closes  quietly.) 

JOSIE.  Is  he  at  the  house? 
TRACEY.  I  don't  believe  so. 
ROLAND.  What  do  you  care  where  he  is? 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  81 

I    JOSIE.    I  don't.    But  I  can  ask  if  I  want  to  can't 
I  wanted  to  speak  to  him  about  choir  rehearsal 
that's  all. 

TRACEY.    What  flavor  did  you  say? 
I   JOSIE.  (starts  R.)     I  don't  think  I  want  any!    I've 
tot  a  headache ! 

ROLAND.     Oh,  come  on ! 

JOSIE.    (going   R.)      No,   I   don't  care  for  any 
honestly — I'm  going  home! 
EOLAND.     Goin'  to  stop  at  Sam  Graham's? 
|  JOSIE.   (turns  to  ROLAND)     No,  I'm  not— I  don't 
[feel  well — and  I'm  going  home. 

ROLAND.    I'll  go  with  you. 

[TRACEY  turns  up  L.   busies  himself  with  putting 
articles  in  show  cases.) 

\  JOSIE.  (turns  R.)  Oh,  no,  don't  trouble.  I  know 
Ihe  way. 

ROLAND.  What's  the  matter,  Josie?  I  used  to  see 
tou  home  Thursday  nights  always,  but  somehow  I 
lever  do  now.  I  haven't  since  Nat — well,  not  for  a 
bng  time.  Why  is  it  ? 

JOSIE.     I'm  sure  I  don't  know. 

ROLAND.    You've  no  objections? 

JOSIE.  (crossly)     Why  no,  certainly  not! 

ROLAND.     Well,  then  come  on. 

JOSIE.  (as  ROLAND  opens  the  door  for  her)  I 
on't  want  to  take  you  out  of  your  way. 

ROLAND.  Never  you  mind  about  that!  (exit 
POLAND  and  JOSIE  R.) 

NAT.  (enters  cautiously  from  parlor)  Are  you 
uite  alone,  Tracey? 

During  the  following  scene,  NAT  must  play  so  that 
it  is  quite  clear  that  he  is  not  in  earnest.) 

TRACEY.  (whirling  in  surprise)  Where  did  you 
ome  from? 


82  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

NAT.  (going  to  desk)     Through  the  back  window, 
TRACEY.     You  jest  missed  seein'  Josie.     (going' 
down  L.  looking  at  door) 

NAT.    Heavens  !    What  a  blow  ! 

(NAT  begins  a  busy  inspection  of  stock,  making^ 
notes  of  articles  needed  on  shelves  and  in  shout" 
cases,  during  scene.) 


TRACEY.  (watches  NAT  keenly  a  moment,  in 
thought)     Say,  Nat  did  you  sneak  in  that  way  be 
cause  Roland  was  takin'  Josie  home? 

NAT.  No,  Tracey,  it  was  because  he  wasn't  tak 
ing  her  home. 

TRACEY.    Yes,  he  was  too,  and  is  yet. 

NAT.    You  don't  tell  me. 

TRACEY.  Yep!  But  —  (confidentially  and  reas 
suringly)  that  needn't  upset  you  none! 

NAT.  Thank  you  for  those  words.  You're  a  true 
friend!  (going  through  door  behind  counter  L.) 

TRACEY.     You  ain't  a  foolin'  me,  are  you? 

NAT.    Why  should  I? 

TRACEY.  You're  so  cur'us.  I  don't  never  know* 
when  you  mean  what  you're  sayin'  or  not. 

NAT.     Oh,  don't  say  that. 

TRACEY.  (going  up  R.  of  desk)  I  ain't  the  only 
one  says  it.  Everybody  in  town  says  they  don't 
understand  you. 

NAT.    (impressively,    laying   hand   on   TR 
shoulder)     Tracey,  nothing  in  life  is  harder  to  bear* 
than  not  being  understood. 

TRACEY.  (after  regarding  NAT  wonderingly) 
Then  why  the  hell  don't  you  talk  so  folks'll  know 
what  it's  about? 

NAT.  (sitting  at  desk)  Because  —  because  Tracey 
Fm  living  here  according  to  rules. 

TRACEY.  (shakes  head  hopelessly  and  resumes) 
Say  Nat,  you  treated  me  somethin'  great  once. 


FOimiXK  HUNTER 

NAT.    I  haven'f,  treated  anybody  lince  Pv«  been 
•ere.     I'm  on  the 


TRACEY.      I   niran    when    I    (old   you  ;ih,,ut,  ,„,. 
•Angie. 

XAT.     Oh!     It's  working,  is  if? 
TRACEY.  (crow*  L.)     fepl     \Vork,,,'  immei     ' 
•  And  I  d  like  fo  help  .you  the  same  ray  if  I  could. 
NAT.   (stops  and  regards  him)     You  would? 
TBAOET.    You're  right,  I  would!    And  perhaw  I 
Ican^tell  you  something  fhat  will. 

NAT.    (dramatical! i/)      Speak,   I   beg! 
TRACEY.     You— er— you're  tryin'  to  court.  .1 
ILockwood,  ain't  ye? 

XAT.    Well  that's  a  secret,  Tracey! 
TKACEY.     All  right,  only  if  you  are,  she's  yourn. 
NAT.    Just  how  do  you  figure  that  out?     (turning 
land  looking  at  TRACEY) 

TRACEY.  Oh,  I  could  tell  to-night  when  she  was 
pn  here  with  Roland,  she  was  a  lor, kin'  for  you  and 
•ben  she  seen  you  wasn't  here,  she  wouldn't  wait  for 
bo  soda  nor  nothin'.  Said  she  was  feel  in'  awful 
por  no  soda  nor  nothin'.  Said  she  was  feelin'  awful 
and  going  home.  Roland  went  with  her  but  she 
Ididn't  want  him  to. 

XAT.  Harry's  right.  There's  nothing  to  it. 
mpriting) 

TRACEY.     Who's  Harry? 

NAT.  A  friend  of  mine.  Tracey  you  want  to  get 
pnarried,  don't  you  ? 

TRACEY.  Gosh!  I  should  smile!  But  I  can't 
•ford  it  yet. 

XAT.    It's  a  contrary  world,  Tracey.    A  contrary 
orld. 

TRACEY.    Why?    Don't  you  want  to? 
NAT.     Well  no,  I  don't  think  I  do. 
TRACEY.    Well  you  don't  have  to  if  you  don't  want 
to,  do  you? 

XAT.    Yes,  if  the  girl  asks  me  I've  got  to. 
TRACEY.  (going  behind  cigar  counter)    Aw  you're 
oolin'.     Oh,  say,  Betty's  home. 


84  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

NAT.   (turning)     Betty! 

TRACEY.  Yep,  on  the  six-fifty.  She's  over  to 
the  house  having  supper.  That's  why  I'm  working^ 
to-night,  so's  you  and  Mr.  Graham  needn't  stay. 

NAT.  (rising)  Why,  this  is  one  of  your  Angie — 
evenings,  isn't  it? 

TRACEY.  Yes,  but  you'll  want  to  see  Betty  won't 
you? 

NAT.  Oh,  there'll  be  time  enough  for  that  after 
I  close  up.  Go  ahead  and  keep  your  date. 

TRACEY.  (quickly)  Can  I?  (taking  book  from 
NAT,  and  getting  hat  through  door  behind  counter) 

NAT.  Certainly,  run  along.  Take  Angie  over  to 
see  Betty. 

TRACEY.  Thanks,  (starts  for  door  R.)  If  Angie 
asks  you  about  it,  tell  her  you  said  I  could  go,  will 
ye? 

NAT.  Yes,  I'll  tell  her.  Remember  what  I  told 
you  now.  Don't  make  love  too  much,  let  her  do 
that. 

(TRACEY  stops  at  door.) 

TRACEY.  That's  the  hardest  rule  of  all  for  me*. 
G'night. 

^  NAT.  Good  night.  (TRACEY  exits  R.  Phone  bell 
rings — Listening  to  bell)  Oh,  Lord,  Josie.  (he  goes 
to  phone,  takes  receiver  and  speaks  with  imitation 
of  TRACE Y'S  voice)  Hello !  Yep,  he's  here  but  lie's 
tumble  busy,  who's  this?  Who?  Josie  Lockwood. 
Oh,  all  right,  sure,  he'll  speak  to  you.  Wait  a  min 
ute,  (he  pauses  long  enough  to  have  it  appear  that 
he  has  been  called  to  the  phone,  then  speaks  in  nat 
ural  voice  pleasantly)  Hello!  Hello!  Josie — what? 
Why  I  came  right  over  here  from  church.  Yes,  I 
know  you  were — with  Roland — Tracey  told  me.  Be 
cause  you  were  talking  to  him,  so  I  didn't  wait.  Well 
I  couldn't  know  that  could  I?  How?  I  say  how 
could  I  tell  you  didn't  prefer  to  have  him  see  you 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  85 

Jiome?  (makes  a  wry  face,  as  if  it  were  an  effort  to 
toy  it)  No,  I  can't  possibly  to-night.  I'm  all  alone 
tere.  What?  Oh,  no,  he  isn't.  I  just  sent  him 
foonie — yes — no,  that  isn't  the  reason.  I  know  she 
is,  but  I  haven't  seen  her  yet.  No,  I  haven't,  really. 
{as  if  speaking  to  some  one  in  the  store)  Good 
/evening  sir — I'll  attend  to  you  in  just  a  minute — 
pardon  me — (into  phone)  What  did  you  say?  Oh 
well,  yes,  rather  busy,  yes  all  right,  good  bye. 

(Hangs  up  phone  and  shakes  his  fist  at  it — then 
goes  L.  Enter  HARRY  KELLOGG  R.  He  stands 
just  inside  the  door,  looking  at  NAT.  NAT  is 
dumfounded.) 

HARRY.     Well!     Old  Doctor  Duncan! 

NAT.  Harry!  (rushes  to  him  and  grabs  him. 
'They  embrace  each  other  and  slap  each  other  on 
lack) 

HARRY.     Nat ! 

NAT.    What  the  devil  are  you  doing  here? 

HARRY.  Business  and  other  things,  (shaking 
hands  violently)  Well  old  fellow,  how  are  you 

NAT.  Sh—h— listen,  I'm  a  business  man !  Pipe 
my  store. 

HARRY,  (looking  about,  crossing  L.)  Gad,  I  m 
blowed,  if  it  ain't  true !  I  couldn't  believe  half  your 
letters.  Who  could? 

NAT.  Who  could?  Ask  any  of  the  natives.  Ask 
Blinky  Lockwood  who  owns  the  whole  country. 

HARRY.  He's  to  be  your  father-in-law  and  might 
be  prejudiced.  By  the  way,  I've  got  to  see  him  to 
night. 

NAT.    See  Blinky !    You  never  told  me  you  knew 

him. 

HARRY     I  don't.    This  is  for  the  firm,  we  are  go 
ing  to  do  some  business  for  him.     He  wired  me  1 
come  to  the  house,  but  I  shan't  stay  there— after 


86  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

I've  seen  him  I'll  come  back  here  and  go  to  the  hotel: 
Pm  going  to  hang  around  here  a  couple  of  days  with 
you. 

NAT.  Good!  But  none  of  that  hotel  stuff.  I'll 
put  you  up.  Do  it  in  style  too. 

HAEEY.  "Well,  how  is  my  scheme  coming  on  ?  Are 
you  carrying  out  all  the  rules  according  to  agree 
ment? 

NAT.  Every  rule.  Not  a  drink,  not  a  smoke  and. 
not  a  swear,  and  the  church  thing — well  I  own  it, 
that's  all. 

HAEEY.    Bully  for  you!    Well?    Was  I  right? 
NAT.     I  should  say  you  were!     It's  so  easy  it 
seems  a  shame  to  do  it. 

HAEEY.  (up  L.  c.  sitting  on  telephone  desk) 
Good !  I  knew  it.  And  you  made  a  play  for  Lock- 
wood's  daughter,  eh? 

NAT.  Certainly  not !  You're  forgetting  your  in 
structions.  I  allowed  her  to  make  a  play  for  me. 

HAEEY.  Of  course.  My  mistake — how  far  has  it 
gone?  Has  she  won  you  yet?  Are  you  engaged? 

NAT.  No,  I've  got  two  months  yet.  (going  B.  to 
"book  case) 

HAEEY.  So  you  have  There's  no  hurry.  Let  her 
take  her  time. 

NAT.  (sitting  on  chair  E.  c.)  It's  worse  than 
that.  It's  got  to  a  place  where  I  have  to  dodge  her 
now. 

HAEEY.  Splendid.  Only  don't  carry  the  dodging 
too  far. 

NAT.  Do  you  really  want  me  to  carry  out  the  rest 
of  the  agreement? 

HAEEY.    Most  certainly  I  do.    Why  not  ? 
NAT.    Well,  when  you  proposed  the  scheme  I  was 
down  and  three  times  out,  and  willing  to  take  a 
chance   at  anything,   no   matter  how  contemptible. 
Now  it's  different. 

HAEEY.  Good  Heavens!  You  don't  mean  you'd 
be  willing  to  live  here. 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  87 

NAT.  I  don't  know.  I  think  I'm  beginning  to 
like  it. 

HARRY,  (rises)  Spend  your  life  here  with  nobody 
around  you  but  a  bunch  of  rubes,  slaving  away  in 
this  measly  store. 

NAT.  (vehemently  rising)  Hold  on  now,  don't 
you  call  this  a  "  measly  store'."  There  ain't  a  finer 
drug  store  in  the  State. 

HAKRY.  Is  it  possible  that  this  is  Nat  Duncan? 
The  fellow  who  hated  work  and  couldn't  earn  a  liv 
ing.  Gad,  I've  arrived  just  in  time,  (moving  L.) 

NAT.     (R.)     In  time  for  what? 

HARRY.  To  set  .you  straight.  Here's  the  heiress 
you  came  to  get,  ready  and  anxious ;  everything  com 
ing  your  way  and  you're  half  inclined  to  back  out. 

(HARRY  sits  on  chair  L.  of  desk  with  back  to  desk, 
and  NAT  on  desk  behind  him.) 

NAT.  See  here,  Harry,  when  I  first  landed  here 
I  had  about  as  gay  and  sociable  a  time  as  a  bell  buoy 
in  the  ocean.  (HARRY  laughs)  I  nearly  died  for 
something  to  do  and  someone  to  talk  to.  Then  1 
got  in  with  this  old  Prince  Graham,  and  for  the  first 
time  in  my  life  I  was  glad  to  work,  to  take  my  mind 
off  the  dullness.  There  was  next  to  nothing  in  this 
store— and  Graham  and  his  daughter  hadn't  a  penny. 
It  was  so  peculiar  finding  someone  that  was  worse  off 
than  I  was  that  I  used  up  all  the  coin  you  advanced 
me  straightening  them  out. 

HARRY.    Yes,  you  wrote  me  about  that. 

NAT.  Then  I  got  dead  interested  trying  to  make 
the  store  amount  to  something  and  I  never  was  so 
happy  in  my  life,  as  when  it  began  to  show  a  profit. 
I  realized  things  were  easier  for  the  old  man  and  I 
found  by  scrimping  a  little  we  could  send  the  girl 
to  school.  She  was  well  worth  it  you  know  and- 

HARRY.  Oho !  So  that's  the  idea,  (rising  and 
going  down  a  bit) 


88  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTEK. 

NAT.     No— no— no— not  at  all.     Only  she— well 
she's  a  nice  little  girl,  Harry,  just  needed  a  chanca 
in  life,  that's  all.     (slight  pause) 
HARRY.    Go  on. 

NAT.     Well,  since  I've  been  working  here I've 

stuck  to  all  the  terms  of  our  agreement.     Single! 
out  this  Lockwood  girl  and  worked  all  the  degreed 
Didn't  say  much,  no  love-making  but  let  her  catdj 
me  looking  sadly  at  her  once  in  a  while. 
HARRY.    That's  the  way ! 

NAT.    Yes,  that'  the  way.    But  the  longer  I  keJ 
it  up,  the  meaner  I  feel.     I'm  getting  along  on  ml 

own  account  now  and 

HARRY.  And  you  want  to  back  out? 
NAT.  (going  to  him)  I  want  you  to  agree  to  iJ 
me  out.  These  rubes,  as  you  call  them  struck  me  al 
being  nothing  but  a  lot  of  jay  freaks  at  first,  bu| 
when  you  get  to  know  them  they  are  just  as  human 
as  city  people.  I  like  'em  now  and  on  the  level  I'd 
getting  kind  of  stuck  on  church.  And  as  for  work! 
why  I  eat  it  up.  (NAT  turns) 

HARRY.  (L.  c.  foot  on  chair)  Nat,  my  poor  crazjjj 
friend,  listen  to  me.  This  working  and  helping  Gral 
ham  is  all  very  noble  and  fine  and  I'm  glad  you'vl 
done  it,  this  drug  store  is  a  monument  to  your  busa 
ness  ability;  but  come  on  down  to  earth  now.  Thjj 
place  is  paying  a  little  profit,  very  good,  that's  all 
it  will  ever  do.  It's  all  new  to  you  and  you're  havl 
ing  the  time  of  your  life  finding  out  you're  good  fol 
something.  But,  from  now  it  will  get  stale;  and  bel 
fore  long  you'll  hate  it  and  next  you'll  hate  the  town, 
and  then  you'll  be  right  where  you  were  before.  Now 
I'm  going  to  hold  you  to  your  bargain  for  your  owJ 
sake,  (goes  to  NAT)  If  you're  stuck  on  the  townf 
and  the  store  you  can  keep  right  on  just  as  well  afteif 
you  are  married,  but  if  you're  not — you've  got  a  for-| 
tune  to  do  what  you  like  with.  Ah,  don't — don't  le^ 
this  chance  slip  now  on  your  life ! 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  89 

NAT  (R.  o  )  But  think  of  .the  injustice  to  the 
girl!  From  the  way  I've  been  living,  she  thinks 
rm  closely  related  to  the  Saints. 

HARRY.  Well,  if  you  think  you  are  taking  a  mean 
advantage  on  that  account— when  she  proposes  to 
you  tell  her  everything  about  yourself.  Just  the 
sort  of  chap  you've  been;  and  if  she  wants  to  back 
out,  I  will  have  nothing  to  say.  (crosses  L.  turns  up 
stage) 

NAT.  (going  up  R.  o.)  Well,  a  bargain's  a  bar- 
gam.  I  gave  you  my  word  of  honor  I'd  go  through 
with  this  thing  and  I'll  stick  to  it,  but  I  tell  you  now 
I  don't  like  it. 

HARRY.  Yes,  I  know  that's  the  way  you  feel  now 
but  sometimes  you'll  come  to  me  and  say,  "Harry 
if  you'd  let  me  back  out  of  that  agreement.  I'd 
never  have  forgiven  you." 

NAT.  (dubiously)  All  right!  I  suppose  you 
know  best. 

HARRY.  You  can  bet  I  do !  Now  I'll  go  and  see 
the  man  who's  making  money  for  you.  (crosses  R. 
to  door) 

NAT.  (coming  down)  Oh  say,  how  is  that  pat 
ent  burner  getting  on? 

HARRY.  Our  lawyers  are  still  working  on  it.  The 
Modern  Gas  Co.  seems  like  a  big  thing.  They've  got 
a  burner  that  does  the  trick  all  right,  but  if  we  find 
out  it's  an  infringement  on  Graham's  patent,  we'll 
put  a  crimp  in  them.  How  much  of  it  do  you  own  ? 

NAT.     It's  all  Mr.  Graham's. 

HARRY.  All  Graham's,  and  you  wrote  me  as  if  it 
was  everything  in  the  world  to  you?  (going  to  NAT) 
You're  still  far  from  a  business  man  Nat. 
^  NAT.  I  suppose  so.  (enter  JOSIE  R.  NAT  con 
tinues  quickly)  Why,  good  evening,  may  I  present 
my  friend,  Mr.  Kellogg?  (HARRY  crosses  to  JOSIE) 

JOSIE.  (offering  hand)  Pleased  to  meet  you, 
I'm  sure. 


90  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

HARRY,  (shaking  hands)  Charmed!  Is  this 
Miss  Josephine  Lockwood? 

NAT.     Yes.     THE  Miss  Lockwood? 

HARRY.    Fve  heard  of  you,  Miss  Lockwood. 

JOSIE.     (laughing  uneasily)     Is  that  so? 

HARRY.  Yes.  Fm  on  my  way  to  your  house  now 
to  meet  your  father. 

JOSIE.  (realizing)  Oh  yes,  Mr.  Kellogg,  of 
course;  he's  waiting  for  you. 

HARRY.  Is  he?  Well  I'll  soon  put  a  stop  to  that. 
(going  to  door) 

JOSIE.    Do  you  know  the  way? 

HARRY,  (turns  to  door)  Yes,  thanks,  the  house 
was  pointed  out  to  me.  I'll  see  you  later  Nat.  I 
hope  I  may  see  you  before  I  leave  Miss  Lockwood. 

JOSIE.    Thanks,  I  hope  so. 

NAT.     Hurry  back. 

HARRY.    I  will  Good  evening. 

JOSIE.     Good  evening. 

(Exit  HARRY.) 

JOSIE.    Did  you  know  Mr.  Kellogg  in  New  York? 

NAT.  Yes,  New  York  and  other  places.  What 
are  you  doing  down  town?  I  thought  you  were 
ill! 

JOSIE.    Aren't  you  glad  to  see  me? 

NAT.  You  should  know  I  am,  but  it's  unexpected. 
(goes  up  R.) 

JOSIE.  (crossing  L.  turns)  I  came  down  town 
because  I  just  had  to  ask  you  something. 

NAT.    What? 

JOSIE.  Why  did  you  run  away  from  the  meeting? 
Why  didn't  you  walk  home  with  me? 

NAT.  (trying  to  act  as  if  he  were  hurt)  I  told 
you  over  the  phone. 

JOSIE.     Oh,  how  silly  you  are. 

NAT.  (with  a  sigh)  We  are  all  silly — on  certain 
occasions « 


THE  FORTUXE  HUXTER.  91 

JOSIE  You  don't  really  think  I  wanted  Roland 
Harriett  to  take  me  home,  do  you? 

XAT  It  seemed  so,  but  that's  all  right— why 
shouldn't  you? 

JOSIE.     (up  c.)     Must  I  tell  you? 
don't^'      (alanned  Comin9  to  her)     Oh  no,  please 

JOSIE.  I  see  that  I  must.  You  are  so  blind  it 
was  because  I  wanted  to  be  with  you.  There— (00- 
%ng  down  L.  c.)  Xow  I've  said  it. 

XAT.  (in  the  hope  of  changing  the  subject  fol 
lowing  her  down)  Oh,  but  you  don't  mean  it— I 
know  you  don't.  You're  saying  that  because  you  have 
such  a  tender  heart,  and  don't  want  to  hurt  me— 
you—  (he  stops  half  suspecting  what  is  coming  ) 

JOSIE.  Xat,  would  it  make  you  happy  if  you  knew 
1  meant  it? 

XAT  (looks  around  and  then  at  her  uncertainly) 
Well,  what  do  you  ihinTc? 

JOSIE.    Then  please  believe  me  when  I  say  it 

XAT.     Oh  no  don't  say  it. 

JOSIE.  You  know  I  like  you.  It's  awfully  hard 
for  me,  Xat,  to  have  folks  think  that  I'm  pursuing 
you  and  that  you  are  trying  to  avoid  me. 

XAT.     (scoldingly)     Josie ! 

JOSIE.  Well,  that's  the  way  it  looks.  You  don't 
want  it  to  appear  that  way,  do  you? 

XAT.     Of  course  I  don't. 

JOSIE.     Then— then  why  don't  you  stop  it? 

XAT.     I  can't. 

JOSIE.  (coyly)  If  you  liked  me  as  well  as  I  like 
you,  you  would 

XAT.  (comic  despair  going  L.)  Ah,  child,  you 
don't  know  what  you're  saying. 

JOSIE.  Yes,  I  do.  (XAT  stops  suddenly  and  looks 
at  her)  I  don't  believe  you  care  anything  about 
me. 

XAT.     Oh  Josie,  please. 


i>;>  Till-    FOIHTNK   IITN  ITK. 

IK.  Woll.  novor  told  me  so, 

\\.  v  :-)(]  to  fctr)  Pon't  vou  see  that  1 
shouldn't  \\  \.  just  think  !  You  are  an  only  daugh- 
tor — an  only  daughter,  (tears  in  roiYc")  Not  only 
vour  father's  only  daughter,  but  your  mother's  only 
daughter.  Your  father  is  my  friend.  How  unfair, 

ould  be  to  him. 

JOSlti,     O  pap  wants  you  to.  he  told  me 
\  \;      (<  •.  w  .  •  K    ;i\rn  turns}     Hut  listen.  Joaie; 
.re  rieh.  an  heiress,  1  aiu  a  poor  man.     \Vould 
^ant  it  said  that  I  was  after  your  money?     (go- 
*ig  to  ker) 

Josu-       No   one   would   dare   e\eu   tlnuk   s\;, 

\  1    would,  you   don't   know   the 

I  a,<  1  do.     And.  for  all  you  know  they  might  be 

right.     How  ivuld  you  toll  that 

Oh.  do:  .-.eh  horrid  trumps.  I  oould 

toll.     A  woman  always  can.     I  k:  .'d  Iv  in 

capable  of  sueh  a  thing.    Papa  knows  it  too.    No  one 
1  «*  id  01  paj\u  and  he  says  you  are  a 

fine,  steady,  Christian  man  and  ho  would  ratlu 

.yono  ho  kr.,     I 

\  (goes  tip  R  of  desk  and 

far-  *  .   uuist 

knov. 

Jo  .  Nat! 

\          I  am  *ot  what  you  tliink  me. 

-.K     Ok,  (mi*i*g  totcard  him) 

\  .        \ 

\  \         (go*s  back  a  step) 

x  \       what  anyone  in  this  1  -  me. 

N  you  frx^r. 

:  again,    I  am  not  a  Christian — it's  all  a  bluff — 
^r  about  a  church  until  I  came 
I  sr.vke  ar.d  1  drink  and  I  swear,  and  I 

:  them  out  just  to  trick  you  into  caring 


Tin-;  FOin  r;:;j<;  fir; 

Josrr.     I  don't  believe  it! 

XAT.      (77;  {///.    pri-.t.f.ntjc.d   '/riff)      Ah   ala»,   Joafcf 
It's  true,  only  too  true.      f/,* 
Mfkft  ; 

Jd   ::.      (after  a  pause]     Nevertheless  .'will 

rife  I     foroin0  /o  /urn, 
AM  nee  A;; 

.NAT.       (  u'J'Jt-nhj    looking    up    in    grwt    ok.- 
iel 

J o- ;  K.    Xat — my 

(XAT  drops  Ms  head  on  her  shouJ,der  in  despair.) 

r.     (v;ith  change  of  manner  and' real 

—I'll  try  to  make  you  a  good 
and  that  wasn't  in  the  agreement. 

(PETER  WIL:  -*rs  R.  staggering.    He  is  Mm* 

wtiat  intoxicated  and  has  a  bad  cut  on  his  lort- 

head.) 

PETE-  .0.    Kin  I  see  yon  a  minute,  Doe? 

(goes  R.  an</  *t/«  weakly  in  front  of  counter  *  c.) 

XAT.     Hello,  Pete,  what's  happened  to  jon? 

Jo.srE.     (in  alarm)     Perhaps  I'd  better  go.     (get- 
iing  door  and  PETE) 

XAT.     I  can't  leave  the  store  just  now — if  ronTl 

wait 

IE.  (another  frightened  look  at  Pm)  I  don't 
mind  going  alone  one  bit.  (frightened  look  at  PETE) 
111  telephone  yon  later—  (tery  low  tone)  Good 
night,  dearest,  I'm  so  happy,  (she  kisses  him  and 
exits  quickly  R.) 

XAT.  (stands  a  moment  looking  after  her;  skake* 
Aw  head  and  turns  to  PETER)  Well,  Pete,  lefi  hare 
a  look,  (pulls  PFTF'g  hand  away  from  forehead) 
Grea-  Thafs  a  bird,  who  hit  jo*? 

I    Wife. 


94  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTEK. 

NAT.  (looks  again  where  JOSIE  went  off  and 
shivers]  Wife,  eh?  (goes  out  of  door  u.  L.  for  bowl) 
Well  she  certainly  gave  it  to  you  good. 

PETE.     She'll  kill  me  some  day. 

NAT.  (still  collecting  remedies  for  PETE,  goes 
behind  counter.  Gets  cotton  and  adhesive  plaster, 
etc.)  Oh,  don'  say  that. 

PETE,  (positively)  Yes,  she  will — sure!  But  I'd 
about  as  soon  be  dead  as  to  live  with  her. 

NAT.  You'd  been  drinking  again,  hadn't  you? 
(going  up  ladder  up  c.  to  get  carbolic) 

PETE.  Yes,  but  she  drove  me  to  it.  Mr.  Duncan, 
you  ain't  got  no  idea  how  lucky  you  be  that  ye  ain't 
married. 

NAT.  (regarding  him  for  a  moment)  Is  that 
so? 

PETE.  No  idee  at  all.  And  I  hope  you  won't 
never  have. 

NAT.    But  I'm  going  to  be  married,  Pete. 

PETE,  (with  great  excitement)  Oh,  no.  Don't 
Mr.  Duncan !  Don't  you  never  do  it !  You  take 
warnin'  by  me. 

NAT.     But  I'm  engaged. 

PETE.  Then  break  it  off,  for  God's  sake,  break  it 
off — now — before  it's  too  late.  Do  anything  rather 
than  that — drink — lie — steal — murder — commit  sui 
cide.  I  don't  care  what — only — keep  single! 

NAT.  But  suppose  you  get  a  lot  of  money  by  mar 
rying?  (down  to  desk,  preparing  bandage) 

PETE.  No  matter  how  much  you  get,  it  ain't 
enough!  (turns  front) 

NAT.  I'm  inclined  to  think  you're  about  right, 
Pete,  (bathing  wound) 

PETE.  You  bet  I'm  right,  I'm  married  and  I 
know! 

NAT.  (finishing  bandaging)  There,  that's  bet 
ter.  Now  go  home  and  let  me  see  you  sober  in  the 
morning,  (puts  bandages,  etc.,  away) 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  95 

PETE.     I  ain't  going  home  to-night. 

NAT.  You've  got  to  get  some  sleep.  Thafs  the 
only  way  you  can  straigthen  up. 

PETE.  Well,  I'll  go  over  to  the  barn  and  sleep 
with  the  horse. 

NAT.     Won't  he  step  on  you? 

PETE.  Maybe,  but  I'd  rather  risk  him  than  my 
wife. 

(EOLAXD  enters  R.    He  is  in  a  rage.    Stops  on  see 
ing  NAT  and  PETE.) 

EOLAXD.     (to  NAT)     Say,  I  want  to  see  you 

NAT.    Well,  go  ahead  and  have  a  good  look ! 

ROLAND.  Don't  try  to  be  funny  or  you  may  get 
hurt. 

PETE,  (suddenly  turning  on  ROLAND)  What  d'ye 
mean  by  that? 

NAT.  That's  all  right,  Pete.  Don't  get  nervous, 
Roily  won't  hurt  anybody. 

ROLAND.     Now  don't  you 

NAT.  (warningly)  Ah!  Ah!  All!  Careful! 
Be  a  good  boy  now ! 

ROLAND.    Do  you  think 

PETE,      (starting  to  ROLAND)      Here  you 

NAT.  Let  him  alone — (leads  PETE  toward  the 
door) 

PETE.     I  ain't  afraid  of  him. 

NAT.  Neither  am  I. 

PETE,  (going  to  door)  I  can  lick  anybody  in 
town — except  my  wife,  (exits  R.  NAT,  turns  to 
ROLAND  and  there  is  a  short  pause) 

ROLAND.  Now  see  here,  me  and  you's  apt  to  have 
trouble. 

NAT.     Oh,  really,  who'll  start  it? 

ROLAND.  I'll  start  it  and  start  it  damn  quick  if 
you  don't  leave  Josie  Lockwood  alone. 

NAT.    You  don't  tell  me ! 


96  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER, 

ROLAND.  Yes,  I  do  tell  ye.  Ye  got  her  to  come 
back  here  again  tonight  after  I  took  her  home  from 
meetin'.  From  now  on  I  want  you  to  let  her  alone, 
and  you'll  do  it  too  if  you  know  what's  best  for  your 
self. 

NAT.  (turns  to  ROLAND)  What  do  you  mean  by 
this  line  of  talk? 

ROLAND.  I'll  tell  you  what  I  mean.  I  was  a-goin' 
with  Josie  Lockwood  steady  for  more'n  a  year  before 
you  came  here  and  you  thought  on  account  of  her 
money  you'd  sneak  in  and  cut  me  out. 

NAT.  Was  her  money  the  reason  you  were  after 
her. 

ROLAND,  (uncertainly)  N — no,  and  'tain't  no 
business  of  yours  if  it  were.  But  here's  what  I'm 
gettin'  at.  (slowly  and  impressively]  A  cashier 
skipped  out  of  the  New  York  National  Bank  about 
ten  months  ago.  And  they  ain't  got  no  track  of 
him  yet. 

NAT.     Indeed. 

ROLAND.  I've  had  my  suspicious  all  along  but  the 
other  day  I  got  a  description  of  him  and  the  descrip 
tion  just  fits — want  to  see  it —  (holding  paper  tow 
ard  NAT) 

NAT.    Fits  what 

ROLAND.  Oh  don't  you  try  to  be  so  darned  inno 
cent,  you  can't  fool  me. 

NAT.     So  you  think  I  was  that  bank  fellow,  eh? 

ROLAND.  You  keep  away  from  Josie  or  you'll  find 
out  what  I  think.  Why  if  I  was  to  show  this  to  Mr. 
Lockwood. 

NAT.    That  will  do  for  this  evening,  thanks. 

ROLAND.    Are  you  goin'  to  quit  chasin'  after  her? 

NAT.  I'll  begin  chasing  after  you,  if  you  don't 
get  out  of  here ! 

ROLAND.    You  better  agree 

NAT.  (grabbing  ROLAND  ly  the  coat  collar  and 
pushing  him  quickly  out  of  door  K.  After  he  has 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  97 

thrown  ROLAND  out  he  picks  up  Ms  hat  and  holds  it 
out  to  him)     Here's  your  hat. 

ROLAND,     (outside)     Throw  it  out  here. 

NAT.  Come  in  again  any  time  when  you  want  to 
apologize,  (the  phone  bell  rings.  NAT  goes  to  it 
and  takes  down  receiver)  Eh  hello,  Josie — what — 
that's  right,  but  I'm  not  used  to  it  yet  you  know — 
let  me  try  again.  Now  ready?  (sweetly)  Hello, 
oh  hello  darling!  How's  that?  Told  your  father. 
Told  him  what?  About  the  engagement,  (hope 
fully)  Was  he  angry?  (resignedly)  Oh  he  wasn't, 
eh?  What  did  he  say?  (listlessly)  Wasn't  that 
nice  of  him?  (door  opens  and  BETTY  enters.  NAT 
turns  and  sees  her — He  doesn't  Jcnow  her  at  first. 
To  BETTY)  Just  a  moment  please — why  if  it  isn't 
Betty,  (hangs  up  receiver  quickly  and  goes  to  BETTY 
and  takes  both  her  hands) 

BETTY.    Nat ! 

NAT.    Hanged  if  I  knew  you  at  first ! 

BETTY.  I  tried  to  wait  until  closing  time  but  I 
just  couldn't  do  it!  (NAT  begins  to  comprehend  the 
great  change  in  her  and  the  feeling  grows  as  she  con 
tinues  speaking)  I  didn't  send  word.  I  was  coming 
to-night,  I  wanted  to  surprise  you — all  of  you !  (NAT 
is  still  staring)  Tracey  told  you  I  was  here,  didn't 
he?  (noticing  NAT'S  stare)  Why  what  is  the  mat 
ter? 

NAT.  (pulling  himself  together  with  an  effort) 
Why  I — (short  laugh)  Gad!  You  nearly  took  my 
breath  away!  I — I  can  hardly  believe  it. 

BETTY.     Believe  what? 

NAT.  That  you  are  little  Betty  Graham.  I  never 
saw  such  a  change. 

BETTY,  (a  little  wistfully)  It's  a  change  for  the 
better,  isn't  it,  Nat  ?  ( crossing  over  L.  ) 

NAT.  I  should  think  it  was!  It's  marvelous, 
Betty. 

BETTY.    Did  I  use  to  be  so  awful  then  ? 


93  THE  FOKTUNE  HUNTEE. 

NAT.  Awful!  Nonsense,  you  know  you  weren't 
only,  now 

BETTY,  (her  voice  a  little  unsteady  with  great 
gratitude)  Does  it  make  you  a  little  proud?  (sit- 
ting  down  at  soda  counter) 

NAT.    What  do  you  mean? 

BETTY.    To  know  you've  done  it  all  ? 

NAT.  Bot!  You  did  it  yourself,  (comes  over 
and  sits  half  facing  her) 

BETTY,  (very  sincerely)  Oh  no  !  Why  Nat,  you 
began  it  the  first  day  I  saw  you  in  the  old  store,  by 
the  things  you  said  to  me.  Then  I  watched  you  as 
you  made  life  a  heaven  for  father  and  me;  and  I 
thought,  if  I  were  a  man  I'd  try  to  be  as  near  like 
you  as  I  could.  The  time  you  told  me  you  were  go 
ing  to  send  me  to  school,  I  said  to  myself,  "  I'll  fol 
low  his  example  just  as  near  as  I  possibly  can — I'll 
work  ever  so  hard  and  I'll  try  to  treat  people  as  he 
treats  them,  and,  oh,  Nat,  it's  worked  so  wonderfully ! 
It's  made  all  the  girls  at  school  like  me,  and  now, 
wrhat's  ten  thousand  times  best  of  all,  you  notice  an 
improvement  the  moment  you  see  me !  And  I,  I 
never  was  so  happy  in  my  life.  (BETTY  caresses  his 
hand,  which  she  has  held  through  this  speech)  Nat, 
you  are  the  very  best  man  in  the  whole  world ! 

NAT.     Don't — don't  for  Heaven's  sake ! 

BETTY.  I  know  you  don't  like  me  to  tell  you  this, 
but  I  am  going  to  just  the  same.  Why  father  and  I 
both  cried  when  he  showed  me  how  you'd  fixed  up 
the  house. 

NAT.  (laughing)     Is  it  as  bad  as  that ? 

BETTY,  (with  a  little  laugh)  Oh  Nat,  don't. 
You  must  let  me  tell  you  the  truth  about  yourself. 
It's  splendid  to  live  the  life  you  do.  You  are  all 
unconscious  of  it  and  I  want  you  to  realize  it?  It 
makes  everybody  love  you — 

NAT.  (after  a  long  pause)  That's  right!  That 
was  the  idea — (BETTY  looks  at  him  surprised. 


1  K  A  t^    I 

THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 


There  is  a  pause)  Betty  does  it  make  you  —  er  — 
feel  that  way  toward  me? 

BETTY.  Why  of  course  —  everyone  who  —  (stops 
suddenly  and  turns  away  embarrassed)  Oh  Nat. 

NAT.  (not  noticing)  That's  why  I  came  here 
Betty!  (BETTY  still  turned  away  and  not  under 
standing.  NAT  is  facing  front  and  now  looks  down) 
Yes,  I  —  came  here  with  the  idea  of  getting  married  — 
(BETTY  takes  a  deep  breath  and  waits,  her  hands 
clasped  —  her  head  up)  You  never  guessed  that  did 
you? 

BETTY,     (almost    breathing  the  word)     No  ! 

NAT.  (still  looking  down)  Well,  it's  the  truth, 
and  I  can't  tell  you  now  —  not  now  - 

BETTY.  No,  Nat  dear  not  now.  (happily)  I  — 
think  I'd  better  go  home  —  I  —  (getting  up  and  go 
ing  R.) 

NAT.  (looking  suddenly  at  her,  realizing  she 
doesn't  understand)  Wait,  Betty  —  I  must  tell  you  — 
/  must,  (she  stops  c.  she  stands  motionless,  expect 
ing  he  will  tell  her  he  loves  her)  To-night  I  —  to 
night  —  I  became  engaged  to  Josie  Lockwood. 

BETTY,  (stands  paralyzed,  but  not  a  muscle  of  her 
face  changes.  There  is  a  long  pause.  When  she 
speaks  her  voice  is  perfectly  steady  and  sweet)  Oh 
Nat  dear,  I'm  so  glad  for  you.  I  wish  you  all  the 
happiness  in  the  world.  Good  night  ! 

(With  a  set  smile  she  goes  slowly  to  the  door  and 
exits  quietly  and  naturally,  without  showing  a 
trace  of  emotion.  When  she  is  gone,  NAT,  after  a 
pause  looks  toward  door,  speaks  between  his 
teeth.) 

NAT.  (c.)  Blithering  fool!  Why  didn't  I  know 
I  loved  her  like  this?  (springing  up  behind  soda 
counter)  Well,  the  rules  are  off!  I  can  have  a 
drink  —  I  can  have  a  million  drinks  —  .if  I  want  them. 


100  THE  FOKTUNE  HUNTEK. 

'(gets  bottle  of  whiskey  from  counter,  pours  out  lig 
drink,  takes  a  swallow,  makes  a  wry  face,  sets  glass 
glass  down)  Ugh!  I've  lost  my  taste  for  it!  I 
can  have  a  smoke.  That'll  help  a  little,  (goes  to 
cigar  counter,  takes  cigar,  lights  it,  crosses  to  c.  takes 
two  puffs,  throws  it  aivay)  I've  got  so  I  don't  like 
'em  any  more.  Oh  I'll  be— I'll  be— God  help  me 
I've  forgotten  how  to  swear. 

(SPEEEY  enters  B.) 

SPERET.  Good  evening,  Mr.  Duncan.  How  are 
you  to-night? 

NAT.     (fiercely)    Eotten!     (goings.) 

SPEREY.    Dear  me!    What's  the  trouble? 

NAT.  Long  story,  (going  up  to  cigar  counter 
getting  hat) 

SPEEEY.  Perhaps  you'd  rather  not  see  me  to 
night. 

NAT.    No ! 

SPEEEY.  I'm  sorry — good  evening,  (starts  for 
door) 

HAEEY.  (running  in)  Heard  about  you  at  the 
Lockwood's  Nat.  (offering  hand)  Let  me  con 

NAT.  Keep  away  from  me!  Keep  away  I  tell 
you!  You  and  your  confounded  systems  have  got 
me  into  all  this — (starts  towards  door) 

HAEEY.  What's  the  matter  with  you?  Here  hold 
on — where  are  you  going? 

NAT.    To  the  only  place  I  can  get  consolation. 

HAEEY.     What! 

NAT.     I'm  going  back  to  church! 

[(He  exits  E.     HAEEY  and  SPEEEY  stand  in  amaze 
ment  looking  after  him.) 

CUKTAIN. 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  101 


102  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

ACT  IV. 

House  and  grounds  of  SAM  GRAHAM'S  Home. 

(House  D.  E.  with  door  and  steps  facing  c.  windows 
upstairs  and  down  stairs  all  having  curtains  and 
shades.  Veranda  all  the  way  round  house. 
Trailing  vines  on  porch.  Light  streaming  from 
window  R.  onto  porch.  Hat  rack  with  hat  and 
coat  and  umbrella  just  inside  of  door.  The 
lack  drop  shows  undulating  country,  with  river, 
and  several  houses  setting  on  hills  in  the  dis 
tance.  Large  tree  directly  in  the  c.  Rose  bush 
L.  c.  Summer  house  up  L.  with  bench  all  round 
on  the  inside.  A  rose  bush  R.  and  another  L. 
of  summer  house.  Hammock  swinging  on  a 
frame  down  L.  Bench  at  side  of  porch. 

TIME. — About  9  o'clock  at  night  and  effects  show 
gathering  of  storm.  Foliage  borders  overhead. 
Wood  wings,  ground  cloth  is  green  with  a  gray 
path  leading  from  Porch  to  L.  and  down  stage 
a  strip  of  rubber  tarpaulin  for  catching  the  rain. 
At  first  border  rain  pipes,  etc.  Borders  blue  at 
rise.  Olivet  floods  in  all  the  entrances.  White 
foots  one  third  up,  at  rise.  Baby  spot  on  each 
side  in  First  Entrance. 

Same  evening  as  ACT  III. 

DISCOVERED.— BETTY  and  ANGIE  sitting  on  the 
porch.  TRACEY  enters  hurriedly  up  L.  Crosses 
to  girls. 

TRACEY.      (rushing  on  excitedly  from  L.  to  R.) 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  103 

What   do  you  think,  Nat  and  Josie's  just  got  en 
gaged  ! 
ANGIE.    No  ? 
TRACEY.    Yep. 
ANGIE.    How  do  you  know  ? 

TRACEY.  Nat  let  me  off  just  now  to  go  and  call  on 
you  and  they  told  me  at  the  house  you  were  over 
here  with  Betty  and  as  I  came  back  by  the  store  I 
saw  a  strange  man  in  there  all  alone  and  h£  told  me 
that  Nat  had  just  got  engaged  and  left  him  there  so 
I  locked  up.  (BETTY  gets  up,  starts  into  house,  stops 
when  ANGIE  speaks  to  her) 

ANGIE.    I  don't  believe  it.    Did  you  know  about  it 
Betty? 

BETTY.    Yes,  Nat  just  told  me. 
ANGIE.      Wasn't  you   surprised   most  to   death? 
(leaning  against  porch  post) 

BETTY.     Er — yes— I  was 

TRACEY.    Ah,  I  knew  it  was  comin' — (sitting  down 
on  steps) 

ANGIE.     You  did? 

TRACEY.     Yes,   certainly  I   did — (very  proudly) 
'Twas  me  fixed  it  up. 

ANGIE.     (incrudulously)    You! 
TRACEY.    Ah — ha !    I  told  him  to-night  Josie  was 
after  him  and  as  soon's  he  found  it  out  he  got  en 
gaged  tocher.     Didn't  waste  no  time  about,  did  he? 
(looking  at  BETTY  and  ANGIE) 
BETTY.    No. 

TRACEY.     (looking  at  ANGIE  lovingly)     Gee!    I 
wish  I  could  get  it  over's  quick  as  that. 
ANGIE.    Tracey ! 

BETTY.    That's  right,  Tracey— why  don't  you  try? 
I'll  go  in  and  give  you  a  chance,     (goes  to  door) 
TRACEY.     Oh  no — don't  go. 
BETTY.    Yes,  I  will ! 
TRACEY.    Please  don't  go. 

BETTY.     But  I  want  to  see  Father,     (she  exits 
into  house) 


104  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

TRACEY.     Gee,  I'm  glad  she's  gone. 

ANGLE.    What  made  you  say  that  before  her? 

TRACEY.  I  didn't  mean  to.  I  was  thinkin'  it  and 
it  slipped  out. 

ANGIE.    It  was  perfectly  terrible. 

TRACEY.  Was  it?  (goes  over  to  the  hammock) 
Come  on  over  in  the  hammock. 

ANGIE.    I  will  not. 

TRACEY.  (coming  lack  to  h er)  Aw  why?  They'll 
be  comin'  out  here  on  the  stoop. 

ANGIE.    What  if  they  do  ? 

TRACEY.  Well — (hesitates) — we  can't  get  engaged 
with  folks  hangin'  around,  kin  we? 

ANGIE.     The  idea.     I  don't  want  to  get  engaged. 

TRACEY.     You  said  you  would  last  night. 

ANGIE.    But  I  said  not  for  ever  so  long. 

TRACEY.  Well,  it's  to-night  now.  That's  ever 
so  long  enough  for  me.  Aw  come  on  over  in  the 
hammock,  (goes  over  toward  hammock)  I  want  to 
be  engaged  now.  You  ought  to  let  me  have  my  way 
about  somethin'. 

ANGIE.  (rises  in  pretended  disgust)  If  you  talk 
like  that  I'm  going!  (she  goes  down  on  lawn  in 
front  of  hammock) 

TRACEY.     Oh  look ! 

ANGIE.    What?     (stops  in  front  of  hammock) 

TRACEY.     Here's  the  hammock. 

ANGIE.  Oh  no — we  mustn't — (lookng  to  sky  up 
stage)  Look,  it's  going  to  rain. 

TRACEY.  (seating  her  into  the  hammock,  sits 
beside  her)  Then  let's  hurry — we  ain't  got  much 
time,  (swings  hammock  gently) 

[(ROLAND  comes  around  above  the  house  up  c.  quickly) 

TRACEY.     Oh  shucks! 

ROLAND,  (starts  to  house  when  he  sees  TKACEY) 
Is  that  you  Tracey? 


THE  FOETUNE  HUNTEE.  105 

TRACEY.    Yep!    One  of  us  is  me 

EOLAND.  (crossing  L.)  Well  go  and  tell  Nat 
Duncan  I  want  to  see  him. 

TRACEY.  Tell  him  yourself — can't  you  see  Fm 
busy? 

EOLAND.     You  young — (he  starts  to  porch) 

TRACEY.    He  ain't  in  the  house. 

EOLAND.  Where  is  he?  (stops  with  one  foot  on 
bottom  step) 

TRACEY.    Over  callin'  on  his  financee. 

EOLAND.    What? 

TRACEY.  Josie  Lockwood  and  him  is  engaged — 
That's  what — I  always  knowed  he'd  cut  you  out. 

EOLAND.  (wildly  crossing  L.  behind  TRACEY  and 
flourishing  a  paper)  He'll  never  marry  her.  I'll 
tell  you  that.  I've  got  proof  of  what  Nat  Duncan 
is  here — and  I'm  going  to  show  it  to  Mr.  Lockwood 
right  now.  (exits  quickly) 

ANGIE.    What  do  you  suppose  he  means? 

TRACEY.  Oh  he's  crazy — don't  pay  any  attention 
to  him.  He's  gone— that's  all  I  care,  (they  swing 
again.  TRACEY  puts  his  arm  around  her)  Say  Angie 
when  you  heard  Nat  and  Josie  were  engaged  didn't 
it  make  you  feel  kind  a — lonesome?  (ANGIE  nods 
"  yes  ")  It  did  me.  Now  we 

(PETE  WILLING  comes  on  from  u.  R.) 

PETE.    Excuse  me.     (goes  down  c.) 

TRACEY.    Oh  shucks.    Here  comes  another. 

PETE.  I  want  to  see  Mr. — (seeing  TRACEY  and 
ANGIE  in  hammock  and  crossing  to  L.  to  hammock) 
Oh  Tracey,  'tain't  true  Mr.  Duncan's  getting  mar 
ried,  is  it? 

TRACEY.  No— but  he's  engaged.  That's  the  next 
best  thing. 

PETE,     (comes  over  to  hammock)     The  next  wors 
thing,  but  I  just  heard  he  was  gettin'  married,  to 
night.    'Tain't  so,  is  it  ? 


106  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTEK. 

TRACEY.    No. 

PETE,  (with  great  relief)  Then  there's  time  yet. 
I'm  a-goin'  to  save  him.  He's  the  best  friend  I've 
got  and  I  made  up  my  mind  to  kill  him  sooner  than 
see  him  married,  (puts  his  hand  into  his  hip  pocket 
as  if  getting  out  pistol.  ANGIE  holds  on  to  TRACEY. 
TKACEY  puts  his  arms  protectingly  around  her  and 
PETE  pulls  out  his  handkerchief  and  wipes  his  fore 
head)  But  engagements  kin  be  broke,  thank  God! 
(moves  R.) 

TRACEY.     (turning)     You  must  be  crazy  I  guess. 

PETE.  No  I  ain't.  I  was  once  but  I  got  sense 
now  it's  too  late. 

ANGIE.  Why  Pete,  don't  you  believe  in  gettin' 
married  ? 

PETE.  Not  for  a  man,  I  don't,  (eyeing  them  an 
instant)  Here,  don't  you  go  gettin'  Tracey  there  to 
marry  you.  He's  too  nice  a  little  fellow.  If  you 
care  anythin'  about  him  show  it 'by  makin'  him  keep 
single. 

TRACEY.  (getting  out  of  hammock  and  going 
toward  PETE)  Here,  you  git  away  from  here. 

PETE,  (going  L.)  Oh  all  right !  Just  for  getting 
sassy  I  hope  you'll  have  to  marry  her. 

(Exits  L.     At  PETE'S   exit,   enter  GRAHAM  from 
house) 

TRACEY.     (loudly)     Go  on  now. 

GRAHAM,  (on  porch)  Wnat's  the  matter,  Tra 
cey?  You're  not  fighting  with  Angie,  are  you? 

TRACEY.  (going  back  into  hammock,  sits  R.  of 
ANGIE)  No — ain't  even  had  a  chance  to  talk  to  her, 
everybody  keeps  comin'  around  jest  at  the  wrong 
time. 

GRAHAM.  Well— I  don't  see  anything  to  disturb 
you  now — if  I  get  out  of  your  way — (turning  to  go 
into  the  house) 

ANGIE.  Oh  no,  don't  Mr.  Graham.  We  must  go 
any  way, 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  107 

(Enter  up  R.  KELLOGG.) 

KELLOGG,  (c.)  I  beg  .pardon  but  is  this  where 
Mr.  Duncan  lives  ? 

GRAHAM.    Yes  sir. 

TRACEY.  (to  ANGLE)  That  settles  it — come  on, 
Angie.  (starts  around  hammock  with  ANGIE  and 
starting  off  L.) 

GRAHAM,  (to  HARRY)  He'll  be  here  soon  I  ex 
pect.  Going,  Tracey? 

TRACEY.  Yep.  It's  time  Angie  was  gittin'  home. 
Good  night,  (getting  hat  out  of  hammock) 

ANGIE.     Good  night.  )    ,,      ,,     ^ 

GRAHAM.     Good  night — come  again.  ) 

TRACEY.  (to  GRAHAM)  We  will— (to  ANGIE) 
Sometime  when  everybody  ain't  lookin'  for  Nat. 
(they  exit  L.) 

KELLOGG,  (turning  to  GRAHAM)  Are  you  Mr. 
Graham  ? 

GRAHAM.    Yes  sir !     (on  porch) 

KELLOGG.     Then  I've  got  some  news  for  you. 

GRAHAM.    For  me?     (down  off  steps) 

KELLOGG.  Yes,  and  I'd  like  to  talk  it  over  with 
you  before  Nat  comes.  My  name  is  Kellogg. 

GRAHAM.  Kellogg!  Not  Henry  Kellogg— Nat's 
friend  ? 

KELLOGG.    Yes,  I'm  the  fellow. 

GRAHAM,  (shaking  hands  heartily)  Well,  well, 
well!  I'm  real  glad  to  see  you.  Sit  right  down. 
Do  !  My  what  a  surprise  this  will  be  for  Nat !  (go 
ing  toward  porch  and  calling)  Betty ! 

BETTY,     (in  house)     Yes? 

GRAHAM.  There's  some  one  out  here  you'll  be  glad 
to  see ! 

(Smiles  and  motions  HARRY  not  to  give  it  away.) 
KELLOGG,     (going  c.)     Your  little  girl? 


108  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

GKAHAM.  (proudly  lacking  behind  KELLOGG) 
Yes,  sir,  just  home  from  school.  (BETTY  opens  door 
— comes  quickly  on  to  porch — stops  suddenly  at  steps 
upon  seeing  a  stranger)  Who  do  you  suppose  this 
is? 

BETTY,  (looking  at  HARRY — with  a  little  laugh) 
I  don't  know. 

GRAHAM.     Nat's  old  friend— Mr.  Kellogg! 
BETTY.      Oh!      (comes   quickly   down   steps  and 
shakes  hands  cordially)     How  do  you  do  Mr.  Kel 
logg? 

KELLOGG.  So  you're  the  little  girl.  (GRAHAM 
nods  "  yes  ") 

BETTY.     (R.  c.)     Have  you  seen  Nat? 
KELLOGG.    (L.  c.)    Yes,  he  just  left  me. 
GRAHAM.     (L.  c.)     Oh!    How  delighted  he  must 
have  been. 

KELLOGG.  You'd  have  thought  so  if  you'd  heard 
what  he  said  to  me. 

GRAHAM.     Where  is  he? 
KELLOGG.    In  church. 

BETTY,  (astonished)  Church?  Why  did  he  £0 
back  there? 

KELLOGG,  (looking  at  her  admiringly)  Bv  iove, 
I  think  I've  just  found  out. 

BETTY.  Oh  you've  heard—  (trying  to  keep  her 
voice  steady)  That— that  Nat  is  engaged  to  be  mar 
ried? 

KELLOGG,  (quietly)  Yes,  I've  heard  it.  (there 
is  a  moment's  pause) 

GRAHAM,  (trying  to  be  cheerful  about  it — and 
looking  uneasily  at  BETTY)  It  was  quite  a  surprise 
to  us— He  must  have  decided  very  suddenly. 

KELLOGG,  (smiling)  No— he  had  the  idea  when 
he  came  here. 

GRAHAM.  It'll  seem  queer  .without  him  at  the 
store. 

KELLOGG,     (looking  curiously  at  the  old  man  and 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  109 

BETTY)  Yes,  you  won't  care  to  lose  him,  I  sup 
pose? 

BETTY.  Nat  is  very  dear  to  Father  and  me,  Mr. 
Kellogg,  and  we'll  be  glad  of  anything  that  will  make 
him  happy 

G-KAHAM.  (who  is  near  BETTY,  puts  his  arm  about 
her  and  holds  her  a  moment,  then  tries  to  change 
the  subject)  Better  ask  Miss  Carpenter  if  the  spare 
room's  ready,  Betty? 

BETTY,  (before  HARRY  can  interrupt,  goes  up 
steps  onto  porch)  Oh  yes — (to  HARRY)  and  I'll  get 
you  and  Nat  some  supper,  (in  doorway) 

KELLOGG.     Please  don't  trouble. 

BETTY.  It  isn't  any  trouble — it's  fun.  (she  goes 
into  house  quickly) 

GRAHAM,  (he  takes  a  step  toward  porch  to  make 
sure  BETTY  is  out  of  hearing)  I  thought  I  wouldn't 
talk  about  the  engagement  before  her  for  a  while. 
You  see  Nat's  been  so  much  to  us  that  it's  sort  of  a 
shock  just  at  first 

KELLOGG.  I  understand — and  I  won't  mention  it 
again,  (crossing  down  R.) 

GRAHAM.  Thank  you — (cheerful  tone  again)  I 
believe  you  said  you  had  something  to  tell  me  before 
Nat  came 

KELLOGG.  Oh  yes — quite  an  important  business 
matter — (sitting  on  lower  end  of  steps) 

GRAHAM.  Business?  Oh  then  you'd  better  wait 
'till  he  •comes. 

KELLOGG.    Why  ? 

GRAHAM.  (R.  c.).  I  guess  you  know  why.  Nat's 
often  told  me  of  your  wonderful  success  in  Wall 
Street  and  I've  always  felt  what  a  great  help  he  must 
have  been  to  you.  It  must  have  been  very  hard  for 
you  to  get  on  without  him  to  advise  you 

KELLOGG.     Are  you  talking  about  Nat? 

GRAHAM.    Why  yes 

KELLOGG,  (laughing)     Well,  I've  managed  some- 


110  THE  FOKTUNE  HUNTER. 

how.  But  Nat  tells  me  this  matter  is  entirely  your 

affair (taking  telegram  from  his  pocket)  Here's 

a  telegram  I  just  received  to-night  from  our  attor 
neys,  (reading)  Modern  Gas  Company  offer  fifty 
thousand  dollars  and  ten  thousand  shares  stock  for 
Graham  patent.  Advise  us."  (GRAHAM  looks  up 
front  thoughtfully)  I  consider  that  a  very  fair 
offer 

GRAHAM,  (half  to  himself)  Fifty  thousand  dol 
lars.  He's  a  wonderful  boy — wonderful ! 

KELLOGG.    Well,  what  do  you  think? 

GRAHAM.    Eh  ? 

KELLOGG.    About  accepting  this  proposition 

GRAHAM.    Oh,  that's  just  as  he  says. 

KELLOGG.  Just  as  he  says,  but  I  understand  Nat 
owns  no  part  of  this  patent. 

GRAHAM.    He  owns  it  all. 

KELLOGG,  (surprised)  What!  But  he  told  me 
it  was  all  yours. 

GRAHAM.  Yes,  of  course  he  did,  that's  just  like 
him. 

KELLOGG.    But  what  ararngement  did  you  have? 

GRAHAM.     We  didn't  have  any. 

KELLOGG.  Then  why  in  Heaven's  name  do  you  say 
it's  all  Nat's? 

GRAHAM.  (R.  c.)  Well,  I'll  tell  you.  Suppose 
you  were  an  old  man,  Mr.  Kellogg,  who'd  failed  at 
everything  you'd  undertaken — suppose  you  had  a  lit 
tle  motherless  girl  that  you  loved  but  because  of  your 
inability  she  went  about  so  shabby  and  forlorn  that 
all  the  young  folks  laughed  at  her  and  wouldn't  have 
anything  to  do  with  her.  Suppose  you'd  come  to  the 
end  and  were  about  to  be  turned  out  of  your  store 
when  along  comes  a  young  fellow  and  gave  you  every 
dollar  he  had  in  the  world  to  start  you  over  again 
and  then  he  worked  with  all  his  might — day  after  day 
until  he'd  made  everything  comfortable  and  easy  for 
you,  suppose  he  changed  your  shabby  little  girl  into 


THE  FOKTUNE  HUNTEE.  Ill 

a  beautiful  young  woman  and  then  a  patent  that 
you'd  have  sold  for  $500,  only  for  him  suddenly 
brought  you  in  a  whole  lot  of  money,  who  would  you 
think  it  belonged  to  ? 

KELLOGG,  (quietly  rising)  I  didn't  realize  how 
much  he  meant  to  you. 

NAT.  (enters  quickly  L.  goes  c.)  Hello  Governor! 
•(seeing  KELLOGG)  Oh,  here  you  are — Where's  your 
luggage? 

KELLOGG,  (crossing  to  L.  c.)  My  man  has  it  at 
the  hotel. 

GEAHAM.     (starting  up)     I'll  go  after  it. 

NAT.  Oh  no — but  you  might  telephone  and  tell 
them  to  show  Mr.  Kellogg's  man  the  way  over  here. 

GRAHAM.    Yes,  I  will,     (exits  into  house) 

NAT.  Thanks,  (turns  to  HARRY  and  looks  at  him 
steadily)  Well  I'm  not  going  through  with  this 
thing. 

HARRY.     No?     (crossing  to  c.) 

NAT.  (getting  check  and  note  from  his  pocket) 
No — Here's  a  check  for  four  hundred — all  the  money 
I've  got  now — and  a  note  for  the  balance. 

KELLOGG,  (relenting)  Oh  Nat,  I  don't  want 
these. 

NAT.  You'll  take  them  just  the  same — I'd  rather 
pay  that  back  than  be  president. 

KELLOGG.  Well,  we'll  talk  this  over  later.  First, 
what  are  you  going  to  do? 

NAT.  The  only  thing  left  to  do.  See  Lockwood 
and  his  daughter  and  tell  him  the  whole  thing. 

KELLOGG.  You've  got  a  pleasant  little  job  ahead 
of  you. 

NAT.  I  don't  care  about  that.  It's  Josie  I'm  think 
ing  of.  Why  it's  awful  Harry  to  trick  a  girl  into  car 
ing  for  you  and  then  to — to 

HARRY.  To  break  her  heart?  Don't  flatter  your 
self.  It  isn't  that  she  loves  you— it's  because  you're 
the  best  chance  she's  seen.  My  system  would  have 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

worked  just  as  well  if  anyone  else  had  tried  it.  (go 
ing  down  R.  ) 

NAT.    Do  you  think  so? 

HARRY,  (coming  up  and  sitting  on  upper  end  of 
steps  R.)  I'm  sure  of  it — The  trouble  is  that  people 
know  you're  engaged  and  they'll  say  you've  thrown 
her  over  and  that's  going  to  make  her  feel  pretty 
cheap  for  a  while,  but  she'll  get  over  it,  only  you'll 
lose  a  fortune,  don't  forget  that. 

NAT.  No,  I  won't — I  never  had  it  and  I  don't  want 
it. 

HARRY.  Well,  I  hope  you'll  always  feel  that  way 
about  it  but  you'll  find  money  a  great  help  if  you 
want  to  live  a  happy  life. 

NAT.  There  are  better  things  than  money  to  make 
a  man  happy. 

HARRY.     You  got  that  from  a  book. 

NAT.    No  I  didn't — I  found  it  out. 

HARRY.    How  ? 

NAT.  I  had  everything  when  I  was  in  college — 
youth,  health  and  all  the  money  I  wanted  and  lots  of 
friends  and  I  thought  I  was  a  pretty  lucky  and  a 
pretty  happy  kid  but  I  know  how  you  can  beat  that 
sort  of  happiness  to  death.  Harry,  the  real  way  to  be 
happy  is  to  work  and  have  your  work  amount  to 
something  and  to  have  someone  who  believes  in  you 
to  work  for. 

HARRY.    Oh  you're  learning  how  to  preach. 

NAT.  Call  it  what  you  like  but  it  goes  just  the 
same.  I've  found  that  out  this  year,  (goes  L.  c.) 

HARRY,  (getting  up  and  going  to  NAT  c.)  And 
you're  right.  I'm  glad  you  backed  out,  it  was  a  low 
down  scheme  and  I  proposed  it — well,  I  suppose,  be 
cause  I'm  a  schemer  and  I  knew  it  would  work — but 
it's  made  a  man  of  you  Nat  and  I'm  mighty  glad. 

NAT.  (looks  at  him  surprised)  What  has  changed 
you  all  of  a  sudden? 

HARRY.  I've  talked  with  Graham  and  I've  seen  his 
daughter. 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  113 

NAT.    Oh! 

HAEEY.  And  now  if  you  don't  mind  I'd  like  to  see 
her  again,  (goes  R.  on  to  porch) 

[(ROLAND,  LOCKWOOD,  JOSIE  and  PETE  enter  L.) 
(Dim  out  borders.) 

ROLAND.    Here  he  is. 
LOCKWOOD.    So,  we've  found  you. 
NAT.    I  didn't  know  I  was  lost. 
LOCKWOOD.     (c.)     I  want  a  word  with  you  young 
man. 

( JOSIE  R.  c.    ROLAND  L.    PETE  E.  at  porch.) 

NAT.    Well,  sir? 

LOCKWOOD.  There  ain't  no  use  beatin'  around  the 
bush.  You've  behaved  yourself  since  you  been  in  this 
town,  but  nobody  knows  who  you  are  or  what  you 
were  before  you  came  here,  and  now  Roland's  made  a 
charge  again  you. 

ROLAND.  I  accused  him  of  it  to-night  and  he  didn't 
deny  it. 

LOCKWOOD.    And  he  says  he  can  prove  it? 

NAT.   (indignantly)     Prove  what? 

ROLAND.  That  you're  a  thief  with  a  reward  out 
for  you.  You're  James  Hilton  that  ran  away  from 
the  N.  Y.  National  Bank. 

NAT.     (starting  toward  ROLAND)     Why  you 

LOCKWOOD.  (Interposing)  Hold  on — you  got  my 
daughter  to  say  she'd  marry  you  to-night,  and  I  want 
to  know  more  about  this  bank  business  before  it  goes 
any  further. 

(NAT  stops  suddenly.  Looks  at  LOCKWOOD  a  moment 
and  then  at  JOSIE — then  front  showing  he's  de 
cided  to  take  this  way  out.) 


114  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

LOCKWOOD.    Do  you  deny  it?     (pause)     Answer! 

NAT.    I  refuse  to  answer. 

ROLAND.    Ah— ha!    What  did  I  tell  you? 

JOSIE.  (indignantly.  To  NAT)  What  does  this 
mean? 

NAT.    Don't  ask  me. 

JOSIE.  Is  it  true? 

NAT.    You  heard  what  he  said. 

JOSIE.    Oh — I — I  despise  you. 

NAT.  That's  all  right— I've  despised  myself  all 
the  evening. 

JOSIE.  (turning  to  LOCKWOOD)    Papa! 

LOCKWOOD.  Don't  give  me  the  credit — thank 
Roland — he  got  on  to  him. 

JOSIE.  (going  L.  to  ROLAND)  I  do  thank  you 
Roland  and  I  can  never  be  grateful  enough.  Won't 
you  take  me  away  from  this  place? 

ROLAND,  (steps  out  toward  NAT)  I'll  be  mighty 
glad  to  see  you  home  if  you'll  let  me. 

JOSIE.  I'd  like  to  have  you  very  much — oh,  Rol 
and,  how  foolish  I've  been — I  believe  I've  liked  you 
best  all  along,  (they  go  R.) 

ROLAND,  (stopping  R.  c.)  I  never  saw  anybody 
from  New  York  yet  that  wasn't  a  crook. 

JOSIE.  (they  turn  up  stage  and  she  catches  NAT'S 
eye  and  stops)  How  did  you  dare  pretend  to  care  for 
me? 

NAT.     It  was  one  of  the  rules. 

JOSIE.  There  is  no  need  to  say  I  suppose  that  the 
engagement  is  broken. 

PETE.  Come  along  to  jail  Mr.  Duncan — Much 
better. 

( JOSIE  and  ROLAND  exit  L.) 

LOCKWOOD.  (f0  PETE)  You  look  after  him— I'll 
attend  to  his  case  in  the  morning.  I'll  make  you  wish 
you'd  never  come  to  this  town,  (exits  L.) 


THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER.  115 

(Dim  out  foots.) 

NAT.     (starts  after  him)     Say  look  here 

PETE.  You've  been  saved  just  in  time,  Mr.  Dun 
can — My,  my,  my,  you're  a  lucky  man.  Now  you 
better  make  tracks — I  ain't  got  no  warrant  to  hold 
you — and  I  wouldn't  if  I  had. 

NAT.  I'm  not  the  fellow  they  think  I  am  and  it's 
easy  enough  to  prove  it. 

PETE.  Git  out  just  the  same  or  you  may  have  to 
marry  her  after  all. 

NAT.    No,  I  won't. 

PETE.  Thank  God  for  that — I  feel  so  good  about 
this,  I'm  goin'  home  and  give  my  wife  hell ! 

(NAT  and  KELLOGG  laugh.    KELLOGG  comes  down  off 
porch.) 

HARRY.    Well  that  was  a  bit  of  luck. 

NAT.  A  bit  of  luck!  It's  more  luck  than  I  thought 
there  was  in  the  whole  world,  (goes  L.) 

HARRY.     Here,  where  are  you  going? 

NAT.     Over  to  have  it  out  with  Lockwood. 

HARRY.    You  better  leave  Lockwood  to  me. 

NAT.     All  right — tell  him 

HARRY.    I  know  what  to  tell  him. 

NAT.     Thanks  Harry. 

BETTY,  (coming  out  of  house)  Supper  is  ready 

and (seeing  NAT  is  there  alone  she  stops  suddenly, 

embarrassed) 

NAT.  Betty— I  want  to  tell  you  something,  (she 
comes  down  to  him)  Do  you  happen  to  remember 
that  I  told  you  awhile  ago  I  was  engaged  to  Josie 
Lockwood — 

BETTY.    What  do  you  mean? 

NAT.     Nothing  much  only  it's  broken  off. 

BETTY.    Broken  off !    Why  ? 


116  THE  FORTUNE  HUNTER. 

NAT.    Because  I  love  you. 

BETTY.     Oh,  Nat,  I  don't  understand. 

NAT.  It  was  a  plan,  a  scheme,  my  coming  here, 
everything  I  did,  a  disgraceful,  contemptible  trick, 
{rain)  but  it's  different  now.  I  love  you,  Betty  and 
I  want  to  be  a  man.  Won't  you  forgive  me  and  be 
my  wife  ? 

(During  this  speech  rain  starts — as  rain  starts  GJIA- 
HAM  comes  into  door  of  house  and  -sees  them 
and  they  are  all  unconscious  of  the  rain — GKA- 
HAM  goes  in  and  gets  umbrella  and  holds  it  over 
them.) 

BETTY.  I've  loved  you  from  the  first  day  I  ever 
saw  you,  you  know  I  have,  {they  embrace) 

(Second  Curtain.    GRAHAM,  BETTY  and  NAT  going 
into  house  under  umbrella.) 

CURTAIN. 


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